The management of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has suspended a lecturer seen in a viral video physically assaulting candidates of the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programme within the institution’s premises.
The footage, which circulated on social media on Monday, showed the lecturer caning several candidates who were kneeling with their hands raised while receiving strokes on their palms. The incident triggered widespread public outrage, with many Nigerians condemning the use of corporal punishment in tertiary institutions.
The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Akinteye Babatunde, described the act as unacceptable, stressing that students must not be subjected to physical abuse. He called on the institution to investigate the matter and ensure appropriate sanctions.
Responding to the incident, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Halimat Garba, said in a statement that the individuals seen in the video were not regular polytechnic students but IJMB candidates who had arrived late for their examination.
While noting that the motive behind the lecturer’s action was yet to be established, the institution condemned the method used, describing it as inappropriate and inconsistent with its values. It reaffirmed its stance against any form of violence or physical punishment as a disciplinary measure.
The statement emphasized that the institution promotes a learning environment built on respect, guidance, and constructive engagement, rather than corporal punishment.
The management further announced the suspension of the lecturer, pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation into the incident. It added that necessary steps would be taken to prevent a recurrence of such behaviour in the future.
