Ogun State Takes Action After Student’s Death: Teachers Warned Against Corporal Punishment
The Ogun State Government has dispatched a second delegation to express condolences to the family of Monday Arijo, a student who tragically died after receiving corporal punishment from a teacher at Obada Grammar School in the Imeko/Afon Local Government Area.
This visit follows the ongoing post-mortem examination at the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta to determine the exact cause of his death. The delegation, led by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the issue of corporal punishment in schools.
After visiting the grieving family, Arigbabu warned educators in state-run primary and secondary schools to refrain from using corporal punishment. He stated, “The government has established a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident. It’s crucial to learn from such situations, not just at Obada Grammar School but across the state.”
He reiterated previous calls to ban corporal punishment, noting that it is not only a local concern but a global standard. “We can discipline children effectively without resorting to corporal punishment,” he asserted.
Arigbabu assured parents that the government would closely monitor schools and impose sanctions on teachers who violate these regulations. He urged educators to adhere to professional standards and employ alternative methods of discipline.
“The recent tragedy illustrates the dangers of indiscriminate corporal punishment,” he added, reinforcing the need for responsible teaching practices. The government has already suspended the teacher and principal involved in this incident and is taking steps to support the bereaved family.
Family spokesperson Mr. Abdullateef Oduntan stated that the family is not seeking legal action but hopes the government will take measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, Special Adviser on Education to the Ogun State Governor, pledged ongoing support to the family during this difficult time while ensuring that such events do not recurin the state.
