A Kwara State Polytechnic lecturer seen in a viral video physically assaulting candidates of the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programme has been suspended by the institution.
The video, which surfaced online on Monday, showed the lecturer repeatedly caning several candidates who were kneeling with their hands raised, taking turns to receive strokes on their palms. The footage sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians condemning the use of corporal punishment in a tertiary institution.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) President, Akinteye Babatunde, described the act as unacceptable, stressing that students should not be subjected to physical abuse under any circumstance.
He called on the institution to investigate the incident and ensure appropriate sanctions are applied where necessary, noting that while indiscipline among students should be addressed, assault is not an acceptable form of discipline.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Halimat Garba, the management of Kwara State Polytechnic clarified that those seen in the video were not regular students of the institution but IJMB candidates who had arrived late for their examinations.
The institution described the lecturer’s actions as inappropriate, stating that it does not condone any form of violence or physical punishment as a disciplinary measure.
“The Polytechnic Management therefore suspends the concerned lecturer from his duties pending the outcome of the findings on this matter,” the statement read.
It added that the management takes the incident seriously and is committed to taking necessary steps to prevent a recurrence, while reaffirming its commitment to maintaining discipline through respectful and appropriate means.
