Crime

Canadian Court Convicts Nigerian Teacher for Using Paddle in Student Discipline

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 23rd, 2025.

Canadian Court Convicts Nigerian Teacher for Using Paddle in Student Discipline

John Olubobokun, once a director at a private Christian school in Canada, has been found guilty on nine counts of assault with a weapon after evidence showed he disciplined students using a wooden paddle.

Olubobokun, who is of Nigerian heritage, served at the Saskatoon-based Christian Centre Academy (now known as Legacy Christian Academy) from 2003 to 2007. While corporal punishment with paddles is more common in Nigeria, such actions are prohibited by Canadian law in educational settings.

During the trial, nine former students shared harrowing accounts of being forced to bend over desks and repeatedly struck, with some suffering visible bruises. One student even described the paddle breaking during the punishment.

The court’s ruling brought tears of relief from the survivors, who described the verdict as a significant step towards healing and acknowledgment of their suffering. Prosecutors highlighted that the use of a wooden paddle disqualified any protection under Canada’s Section 43, which only permits reasonable, non-injurious discipline by caregivers or teachers.

Olubobokun now faces sentencing, while many former students see the decision as a long-awaited form of justice.