The management of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has suspended a lecturer caught on camera flogging candidates sitting for the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) examination over alleged lateness.
The suspension followed widespread outrage after a viral video surfaced on social media showing the lecturer administering strokes of the cane on the palms of several candidates.
The footage sparked condemnation from Nigerians, with many questioning the use of corporal punishment in educational institutions and calling for disciplinary action against the lecturer.
Responding to the controversy on Monday, the institution’s spokesperson, Hajia Halimat Garba, announced that the lecturer had been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation.
According to the Polytechnic, the individuals seen in the video were not students of the institution but IJMB candidates who arrived late for their ongoing examinations.
“The attention of Kwara State Polytechnic management has been drawn to a viral video circulating on social media in which a lecturer is seen physically reprimanding students,” the statement said.
“The Management wishes to clarify that the students depicted in the video are not Polytechnic students but rather IJMB candidates who arrived late for their ongoing examinations.”
The institution, however, stressed that regardless of the circumstances, the lecturer’s actions were unacceptable and contrary to its values.
“While the intention for which the action was done is not yet known, we must emphasize that the approach taken was wholly inappropriate as the Polytechnic stands firmly against any form of violence or physical punishment as a means of discipline,” the statement added.
The management reiterated that education should be based on respect, understanding and constructive guidance rather than physical punishment.
Consequently, the lecturer has been relieved of his duties indefinitely while authorities investigate the incident.
The Polytechnic assured stakeholders and members of the public that the matter was being treated with utmost seriousness and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity, discipline and values for which the institution is known.
