•The arrested school teacher, Stella Nwadigo (right)
Yesterday, Wednesday, January 8, 2025, a viral video of a teacher maltreating a 3-year-old pupil, Abayomi Micheal, sparked online conversations about the safety of pupils in public and private schools in Nigeria.
In the video, the teacher, identified as Stella Nwadigo, a staff member of Christ-Mitots School in Ikorodu, Lagos was seen repeatedly slapping and yelling at the toddler while teaching him how to write numbers, reports Vanguard.
The violent clip sparked outrage as Nigerians called on the Lagos State Government and law enforcement agencies to arrest the 45-year-old teacher.
Lagos Govt, Police react
Following the outrage, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi confirmed Nwadigo’s arrest in a tweet.
He wrote: “Child Abuse: One Stella Nwadigo, aged 45, the teacher who physically abused the 3-year-old Abayomi Micheal of Christ-Mitots School in Ikorodu, has been arrested by the police. She was arrested today, Wednesday 8th Jan, 2025, immediately after the criminal act. Justice must be served. Thanks.”
Benjamin Hundeyin, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos Police Command has also confirmed Nwadigo’s arrest saying “She is currently in our custody for further necessary actions.”
Speaking to our correspondent on the matter, Kayode Sutton, the Deputy Director of public Affairs, Ministry of Basic And Secondary Education, said the state government is already taking action on the issue, adding that a comprehensive report would be submitted as soon as possible.
Sutton said, “The Director in charge from the Office of Education Quality Assurance is already aware and they are on it.
“Actions have been taken; the Police and DSVA have been duly informed and a team of Evaluators will visit the School tomorrow, Thursday, January 9, 2025, for further investigation.
“A comprehensive report would be submitted to the Commissioner, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education as soon as possible.”
What the law says about maltreatment of school kids
The Lagos State Child’s Rights Law of 2007 and Nigeria’s Child Rights Act of 2003 enforce the rights and advance the welfare of every child in the state. Section 10 and Section 11 of the laws stipulate that every child is entitled to respect and dignity, even in schools.
In their subsections, the laws equivalently state that no child shall be —
(a) subjected to physical, mental or emotional injury, abuse, neglect or maltreatment, including sexual abuse;
(b) subjected to torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment;
(c) subjected to attacks upon his honour or reputation; or
(d) held in slavery or servitude, while in the care of a parent, legal guardian or school authority or any other person having authority for the care of the child.
What’s the penalty?
Even though the law seeks the protection of children under the care of school authorities, the Lagos State Child’s Rights Law and the Nigeria Child Rights Act do not specifically state the penalty for physical assaults against school kids by teachers.
In fairness, the Lagos State Government has treated many cases of negligence by school authorities and sexual assaults against minors with culprits ending up in prison.
Sutton, when speaking on the likely penalty for child maltreatment, said the measures could include imprisonment if convicted by the court, termination of appointment if the culprit is a public school teacher or school closure depending on the gravity of the crime.
However, with the video of Nwadigo dishing out hot slaps to a 3-year-old pupil in the public domain, Nigerians look forward to the punishment that awaits the 45-year-old teacher.
