By Sabiu Abdullahi
The management of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has suspended a lecturer accused of physically assaulting Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) candidates who reportedly arrived late for their ongoing examinations.
The decision followed the circulation of a viral video on social media which showed the lecturer flogging some students on the institution’s campus.
The Polytechnic announced the suspension in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Hajia Halimat Garba.
According to the statement, the lecturer has been relieved of his duties pending the outcome of an investigation into the incident.
“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 Management wishes to clarify that the students depicted in the video are not Polytechnic students but rather IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board) candidates who arrived late for their ongoing examinations.
“While the intention for which the action was done is not yet known, we must emphasize 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.
“We believe that education should be rooted in respect, understanding, and constructive guidance, and that there are far more effective and humane ways to instill important values in students.
“The Polytechnic Management therefore suspends the concerned lecturer from his duties henceforth, pending the outcome of the findings on this matter.
“We appreciate the concerns raised by stakeholders regarding this incident and assures the public that the matter is being taken very seriously.”
The institution also reaffirmed its commitment to discipline and ethical standards, while assuring members of the public that steps were being taken to avoid a repeat of such conduct.
“We are determining the necessary steps to prevent subsequent recurrence in the future,” the statement added.
