A disturbing video of a teacher assaulting a three-year-old pupil during a numeracy lesson has sparked outrage, leading to swift action from Christ Mitots School in Ikorodu, Lagos.
The school announced the indefinite suspension of the teacher, Stella Nwadigo, following public backlash and her subsequent arrest on Wednesday.
The viral video captured Nwadigo slapping little Abayomi Michael multiple times as he struggled with his lesson.
Social media users and child rights advocates condemned the act, describing it as a gross abuse of power and trust.
In a strongly worded statement, the school management declared the teacher’s actions as “entirely unacceptable and inconsistent with our school’s values.”
“The video circulating on social media reveals conduct that is entirely unacceptable and inconsistent with our school’s values,” the statement read. “We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for our students, and such behaviour will not be tolerated.”
The school further clarified that Nwadigo’s suspension is indefinite, pending the conclusion of an ongoing investigation.
“We have taken immediate action by suspending the teacher involved while a thorough investigation is conducted. This reflects our zero-tolerance approach to any form of misconduct, especially actions that compromise the safety and well-being of our students.”
Expressing remorse over the incident, the school extended an apology to the victim’s family, assuring them of its commitment to their child’s welfare.
“To the family of the affected pupil, we extend our sincerest apologies and have reached out to ensure their concerns are addressed,” the statement added.
In addition to addressing the immediate situation, the school announced the implementation of several proactive measures. These include mandatory training sessions for teachers on positive disciplinary methods and child protection protocols. A confidential whistle-blowing system has also been introduced to ensure the timely reporting of any inappropriate behavior.
Reaffirming its dedication to fostering a culture of care and respect, the management emphasized its pledge to make meaningful changes. “We remain committed to creating an environment where every child feels safe, valued, and supported,” the statement concluded.
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