Kwara Poly Suspends Lecturer Seen Flogging IJMB Candidates Over Lateness

The management of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has suspended a lecturer who was captured in a viral video physically punishing candidates of the Interim Joint Matriculation Board, IJMB, programme for arriving late for their ongoing examinations.

Global Mirror News gathered that the video, which surfaced on social media on Monday, showed the lecturer using a cane to flog several candidates on their palms, an action that has generated widespread condemnation from members of the public.

In the footage, the candidates were seen lined up as the lecturer administered strokes of the cane, reportedly as punishment for lateness. The incident sparked outrage online, with many Nigerians criticising the use of corporal punishment within an academic environment and calling on the institution to take disciplinary action.

Reacting to the development, the management of Kwara State Polytechnic announced the immediate suspension of the lecturer pending the outcome of an investigation.

In a statement issued in Ilorin on Monday by the Institution’s spokesperson, Hajia Halimat Garba, the management clarified that those seen in the video were not regular students of the Polytechnic but IJMB candidates sitting for examinations on the campus.

“The attention of Kwara State Polytechnic management has been drawn to a viral video circulating on social media in which a lecturer is seen physically reprimanding students,” the statement said.

“The Management wishes to clarify that the students depicted in the video are not Polytechnic students but rather IJMB candidates who arrived late for their ongoing examinations.”

The Institution, however, stressed that regardless of the circumstances surrounding the incident, the lecturer’s approach was unacceptable and did not reflect the values of the Polytechnic.

“While the intention for which the action was done is not yet known, we must emphasise that the approach taken was wholly inappropriate, as the Polytechnic stands firmly against any form of violence or physical punishment as a means of discipline,” the statement added.

According to the management, discipline in an educational setting should be based on respect, understanding and constructive guidance rather than violence or humiliation.

The Polytechnic said it believes there are more humane and effective ways to correct students and instil discipline without resorting to physical punishment.

“The Polytechnic Management therefore suspends the concerned lecturer from his duties henceforth, pending the outcome of the findings on this matter,” the statement noted.

Kwara Poly also assured students, parents, stakeholders and members of the public that the matter was being treated seriously and that appropriate steps would be taken after the investigation.

The management further expressed confidence in the integrity and values for which the institution is known, adding that it was already considering measures to prevent a recurrence of such an incident.

Global Mirror News reports that the suspension comes amid renewed public debate over discipline, student welfare and the use of corporal punishment in Nigerian educational institutions.