The Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has suspended a lecturer captured in a viral video flogging candidates of the Interim Joint Matriculation Board programme who reported late for their ongoing examinations on the campus.
The footage, which emerged on social media on Monday, showed the lecturer flogging several candidates with strokes of the cane on their palms.
The incident triggered widespread outrage online, with many condemning the use of corporal punishment in higher institutions and demanding disciplinary measures against the lecturer involved.
In reaction to a viral video, the management has now suspended the lecturer from his duties till further notice, according to a statement by the spokesperson of the institution, Hajia Halimat Garba, in Ilorin on Monday.
The statement read in part, “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 Management expressed its sincere and unalloyed confidence in the public on integrity and values for which Kwarapoly is known.
“We are determining the necessary steps to prevent subsequent recurrence in the future,” it further stated.
