The management of Kwara State Polytechnic has suspended a lecturer captured in a viral video physically flogging candidates of the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programme on the institution’s premises, pending the outcome of an investigation.
The video, which surfaced on Monday, showed the lecturer ordering several candidates to kneel with their hands raised before caning them on their palms. The incident sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the use of corporal punishment in a tertiary institution.
Reacting to the development, the institution clarified that those seen in the footage were not regular polytechnic students but IJMB candidates who reportedly arrived late for their ongoing examinations. However, the management stressed that regardless of the circumstances, physical punishment is unacceptable and does not align with the institution’s values.
In a statement signed by the Polytechnic’s Public Relations Officer, the management said education should be rooted in respect, understanding and constructive guidance, adding that there are more humane ways to enforce discipline.
The institution announced that the lecturer has been suspended from duty while a full investigation is conducted, assuring students, parents and the public that appropriate action will be taken based on the outcome of the probe.