The management of Kwara State Polytechnic has suspended a lecturer captured in a viral video physically assaulting candidates of the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programme during an examination session.
The video, which circulated widely on social media on Monday, showed the lecturer caning several candidates who were made to kneel with their hands raised while receiving strokes on their palms.
The disturbing footage triggered widespread condemnation from Nigerians, with many questioning the use of corporal punishment in higher institutions and demanding immediate disciplinary action.
Students Are Not Animals – NANS President
Reacting to the incident, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Akinteye Babatunde, described the lecturer’s actions as unacceptable and called for sanctions.
“A lecturer in Kwara State Polytechnic asked IJMB students to kneel down and beat them with a cane. Such an act is condemnable. Students are not animals and should never be treated as such,” he said.
Babatunde emphasized that while students are expected to respect lecturers and obey institutional rules, educators have no right to physically assault learners.
Polytechnic Clarifies Candidates Were Not Regular Students
In a statement issued by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Halimat Garba, the Polytechnic clarified that those involved were not regular students of the institution but IJMB candidates who reportedly arrived late for their ongoing examinations.
According to the statement:
“The attention of the Polytechnic Management has been drawn to a viral video showing a lecturer physically reprimanding students. The individuals seen are IJMB candidates, not Polytechnic students.”
Management Condemns Lecturer’s Actions
While the institution noted that the exact circumstances surrounding the lecturer’s actions are still under investigation, it firmly condemned the method used.
The management stressed that violence and physical punishment have no place in its educational system, adding that discipline should be administered through respectful and humane approaches.
“Education should be rooted in respect, understanding, and constructive guidance. There are more effective ways to instill discipline and values in students,” the statement said.
Lecturer Suspended Pending Investigation
As part of immediate disciplinary measures, the Polytechnic announced the suspension of the lecturer involved pending the outcome of a full investigation.
The institution assured stakeholders and the public that the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness and that necessary steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The management further reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity, values, and reputation for which the institution is known.
