Kehinde Fajobi
Christ Mitots School in Ikorodu, Lagos, has suspended a teacher, Stella Nwadigo, indefinitely following the circulation of a video showing her hitting a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael, during a numeracy lesson.
The video, which quickly gained traction on social media, displayed the teacher aggressively striking the young boy as he struggled with the lesson. Public outrage over the incident led to her arrest on Wednesday.
In a statement, the school denounced the teacher’s actions, describing them as entirely inappropriate and against the institution’s core values.
“We are aware of a disturbing video involving a teacher and a pupil, which has been shared widely online,” the school stated.
“The footage reveals a teacher administering physical punishment to a child in a manner that is utterly unacceptable and goes against the principles we uphold as a school.
“As a school dedicated to promoting respect, care, and dignity, we are deeply appalled by this incident and wish to make it clear that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
“As an immediate response, the teacher in question has been placed on indefinite suspension while an in-depth investigation is underway.”
The management expressed regret over the incident and extended apologies to Abayomi’s family, pledging their full support during this period.
“This action underscores our commitment to safeguarding the well-being of every child under our care and maintaining a safe learning environment,” the school added.
To prevent future occurrences, the school announced plans to conduct mandatory training for its teachers.
“These sessions will focus on child protection policies, positive discipline methods, and fostering sensitivity in student interactions”, the statement noted.
Additionally, the school announced it has introduced a confidential whistle-blowing system to encourage the prompt reporting of inappropriate behaviour.