Fawaz Adebisi
In a deeply troubling and escalating trend that has sent shockwaves through the education sector, Ogun State has witnessed a distressing series of attacks and assaults on teachers over the past three years.
These incidents have sparked concerns and call for urgent measures to protect educators and maintain a conducive learning environment.
The most recent case occurred on July 23, 2023, when seven students from Isanbi Comprehensive High School, Ilisan Remo, in Ikenne Local Government area, were arraigned before an Ogun State Magistrate Court in Sagamu.
They were accused of a brutal assault on their teacher, Mr. Kolawole Sonuga. The teacher had reportedly prevented one of the students from cheating during an examination.
Shockingly, the students waylaid the teacher at the school gate, striking him with a stick on the head, while others tore his clothes during the violent incident.
Just a day earlier, on July 22, 2023, ten students from the same school were arrested by the police for assaulting Mr. Sonuga once again.
This altercation arose when the teacher seized a paper from one of the students, Ashimi Adebanjo, for cheating during a unified examination for the SS 1 Art class.
This disturbing trend dates back to 2021 when at least four cases of assault on teachers by students were recorded in public schools across Ogun State.
In response, the state government took a significant step by having students and their parents sign an undertaking not to engage in hooliganism.
On January 19, 2022, another troubling incident unfolded at Toyon High School, Ere, Ado-Odo, in the Ado-Odo/Ota local government area.
A secondary school student named Joshua Joseph, along with his mother, hired thugs who invaded the school premises and viciously assaulted three teachers.
This event occurred shortly after parents had signed mandatory undertaking forms as part of efforts to curb assaults on teachers.
In the last quarter of 2021, more than four teachers were reportedly beaten by students, often with the involvement of hoodlums. In a particularly distressing incident, Joshua Joseph was initially prevented from entering the classroom due to his hairstyle.
A teacher, Mr. Kabir Azeez, had instructed him to cut his hair before entering.
In retaliation, Joseph returned to the school with his mother and the hired thugs, leading to the brutal attack on the teachers.
These incidents have shaken the educational community in Ogun State, underscoring the urgent need for effective measures to protect teachers and maintain a safe learning environment for students.
The assaults not only jeopardize the well-being of educators but also disrupt the educational process, ultimately hindering the development of the future generation.
The state government has vehemently condemned these acts of violence and pledged not to tolerate indiscipline among learners.
Furthermore, the government has sought the support of the judiciary and police to aid the Ministry in its War Against Indiscipline and Truancy in schools, in a bid to address this alarming issue.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
