The management of Kwara State Polytechnic has suspended a lecturer caught in a viral video flogging candidates during an examination, sparking widespread outrage across the country.
The incident, which surfaced on social media on Monday, showed the lecturer caning candidates of the Interim Joint Matriculation Board programme who were reportedly late for an examination. The affected candidates were seen kneeling with their hands raised, taking turns to receive strokes on their palms.
The development triggered condemnation from Nigerians, with many describing the act as inhumane and inconsistent with acceptable disciplinary standards in tertiary institutions.
Reacting, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Akinteye Babatunde, denounced the lecturer’s action, insisting that students must not be subjected to physical punishment.
He said, “Such an act is condemnable. Students are not animals and should never be treated as such. While students must not act rudely, lecturers also do not have the right to assault them.”
Babatunde called on the institution’s management to thoroughly investigate the incident and impose appropriate sanctions.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Halimat Garba, the polytechnic clarified that those involved were IJMB candidates and not regular students of the institution.
The management, however, stressed that regardless of the circumstances, the lecturer’s conduct was unacceptable and contrary to the institution’s values.
“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 read.
It added that the lecturer had been suspended pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.
The institution reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a learning environment anchored on respect, constructive engagement, and humane disciplinary measures, assuring stakeholders that steps would be taken to prevent a recurrence.
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