By [Kamal Yalwa]
A Vice Principal of Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, Ondo State, Mr. Rotifa, has been brutally assaulted by suspected thugs allegedly hired by the parent of a student he prevented from cheating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The attack followed an incident on Monday, May 26, when Mr. Rotifa seized an Android phone from an SS3 student who attempted to use it to cheat during the exam. The student’s mother reportedly confronted the school, demanding the phone’s return and allegedly threatening to deal with any teacher who tried to stop her child from using the device during the exams.
Despite the threats, Mr. Rotifa maintained that no student would be allowed to cheat in the examination hall. On Thursday, May 29, the student’s brother—an alumnus of the school—reportedly stormed the school premises, threatening to assault the vice principal.
Following the confrontation, Mr. Rotifa reported the matter to the police. However, while returning from an attempt to apprehend the suspects, the police van he was in was ambushed by the gang. The thugs reportedly dragged Mr. Rotifa out of the police vehicle and beat him severely.
The injured vice principal was rushed to a hospital for treatment and discharged the following day. However, due to safety concerns, he has not returned to his residence, fearing further attacks.
In a statement, the Ondo State Ministry of Education, through its Director of Schools, condemned the attack and assured that those responsible would be brought to justice.
The statement reads in part:
“The incident started on Monday, May 26, when an Android phone was found with one SS3 student, which is contrary to the rules and regulations of the school. Mr. Rotifa, the vice principal, seized the phone.
On Thursday, the student’s mother came to the school to fight with the management, prompting the proprietor to order the phone’s return. Despite this, the student’s brother later harassed the vice principal and threatened to deal with him.
After school hours, the boys were seen loitering near the school. Mr. Rotifa was advised to report to the police station, and two policemen accompanied him in a patrol van. However, they were ambushed, and Mr. Rotifa was dragged from the van and assaulted.
He was treated and discharged from the hospital but has not returned home due to fear of further attacks.
The state government is working with security agencies to ensure the safety of staff and students for the remaining WASSCE papers and to bring the culprits to book.”
The Ondo State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment across all schools and has promised that all necessary measures will be taken to protect the lives of teachers and students.
