The Ogun State Government has issued a strong warning to teachers in state-owned primary and secondary schools against the use of corporal punishment following the recent death of Monday Arijo, a pupil at Obada Grammar School, Idi-Emi in Imeko/Afon Local Government. The student reportedly died after being disciplined by a teacher, prompting the government to take immediate action.
Led by Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, a government delegation visited the family to offer condolences. During the visit, Arigbabu emphasized that corporal punishment is not in line with global educational standards and should be avoided in Ogun schools.
He highlighted that effective disciplinary measures can be implemented without physical punishment, underscoring the state’s commitment to raising well-behaved students through alternative, positive methods.
The Commissioner reiterated that the state has a zero-tolerance policy for corporal punishment and has set up a committee to investigate the incident and surrounding circumstances. Additionally, suspensions have been issued to the teacher involved, as well as the school principal, pending further investigation. Arigbabu reassured parents that the state is committed to providing a conducive learning environment and will closely monitor schools to enforce adherence to regulations.
Addressing the family’s concerns, Special Adviser on Education Mrs. Ronke Soyombo affirmed the government’s dedication to supporting the family and preventing future incidents of this nature. The family, represented by Mr. Abdullateef Oduntan, expressed a desire for the government to take measures to avoid such occurrences in the future, rather than pursuing legal action.
Meanwhile, a post-mortem examination is being conducted by the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta to establish the cause of the pupil’s death.
