Kwara Poly lecturer suspended for flogging IJMB candidates over lateness
The management of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has suspended a lecturer captured in a viral video flogging students of the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programme for allegedly arriving late to an ongoing examination.
The institution announced the suspension on Monday, describing the lecturer’s actions as inappropriate and contrary to its values.
In a statement issued by the Polytechnic’s Public Relations Officer, Hajia Halimat Garba, the management clarified that the individuals seen in the viral video were not students of the Polytechnic but IJMB candidates participating in examinations on the campus.
“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 statement read.
“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, however, condemned the lecturer’s conduct, stressing that physical punishment has no place in its disciplinary framework.
“While the intention behind the action is not yet known, we must emphasise 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 more effective and humane ways to instil important values in students.”
According to the statement, the lecturer has been suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of an investigation into the incident.
“The Polytechnic Management therefore suspends the concerned lecturer from his duties with immediate effect, pending the outcome of findings on this matter,” the statement added.
The management assured stakeholders and members of the public that the matter was being treated with the seriousness it deserves.
“We appreciate the concerns raised by stakeholders regarding this incident and assure the public that the matter is being taken very seriously.”
The Polytechnic also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the standards and values for which the institution is known, noting that measures are being put in place to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.
“We are determining the necessary steps to prevent a recurrence in the future,” the statement said.
The incident has generated widespread reactions on social media, with many users calling for greater accountability and improved disciplinary measures within educational institutions.