Viral Video Shows Lecturer Flogging Students During Exam
A video circulating on social media has captured a Kwara State Polytechnic lecturer physically punishing students during an examination, triggering widespread condemnation. The footage, obtained by Legit.ng, shows several students kneeling on the ground while being struck with a cane by the lecturer. The incident reportedly occurred on Monday morning, June 22, and quickly sparked debates online about the use of corporal punishment in tertiary institutions.
Students Condemn Humiliation and Rights Violations
Students who spoke with Legit.ng on condition of anonymity expressed disappointment. A National Diploma student from the Science Laboratory Technology department, who identified himself as Yusuf for fear of intimidation, said the video did not surprise many on campus. “A lot of lecturers behave as if students have no rights. This particular incident became public because someone recorded it, but many things happen that people don't see,” he said. Yusuf referenced a previous controversy where students were asked to vacate hostels for NYSC members, adding, “We protested not long ago because students were displaced. Many students felt our welfare was not considered. Now we are seeing another incident where students are being treated in a way that many people find unacceptable.” He described the lecturer's conduct as “humiliating,” stating, “Even if students were wrong, there should be proper disciplinary procedures. Making students kneel and flogging them publicly is not the answer.”
Staff Member Defends Lecturer, Cites Context
A staff member of the institution, identified as Olaniyi, who said he was not authorised to speak officially, urged the public not to judge based solely on the clip. Speaking with Legit.ng, he explained that the students were participating in an Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) examination and had repeatedly ignored warnings about lateness. “A lot of people reacting to this video do not know what actually happened. These students were in IJMB examination sessions supervised under strict examination regulations, and there had been repeated cases of students arriving late despite several warnings,” he said. Olaniyi added that the Director was under pressure to ensure order and compliance so that affected students would not be denied the opportunity to sit for their papers. He argued that the public reaction may have been influenced by limited context, saying, “While everyone is entitled to their opinion, it is unfair to judge an entire situation based on a short video clip without understanding the full circumstances that led to it.” Defending the lecturer, he added, “Those who know the Director personally can attest to his commitment to students' academic success and welfare over the years. The scenario was a fatherly act to save the students.”
Polytechnic Suspends Lecturer, Launches Investigation
Kwara State Polytechnic has announced the immediate suspension of the lecturer involved pending an investigation. In a statement issued by the institution's Public Relations Officer, Halimat Garba, the management clarified that the individuals in the video were not regular Polytechnic students but IJMB candidates who arrived late for their examinations. 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 stressed that physical punishment is unacceptable within its disciplinary framework, stating, “While the motive behind the lecturer's action is yet to be determined, physical punishment and violence have no place in the Polytechnic's disciplinary system.” The management further stated that education should be anchored in respect, understanding, and constructive guidance rather than corporal punishment, adding, “There are more humane and effective ways of instilling discipline and values in students.” The institution announced, “The Polytechnic Management therefore suspends the concerned lecturer from his duties henceforth pending the outcome of the findings on this matter.” The school also assured the public of a thorough investigation and measures to prevent recurrence.
