A disturbing case of assault has rocked Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, where suspected thugs reportedly attacked the school’s Vice Principal for preventing exam malpractice during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The victim, identified as Mr. Rotifa, was said to have confiscated an android phone from an SS3 student caught attempting to cheat during an exam conducted on May 26.
The possession and use of mobile phones during external exams are strictly prohibited under WAEC regulations.
According to a preliminary report from the Ondo State Ministry of Education, the matter escalated when the student’s mother stormed the school premises in a fit of rage, confronting the school management and demanding the return of the seized phone. Under pressure, the school reportedly handed the device back to her.
The situation, however, took a darker turn when the student’s brother—an alumnus of the school—allegedly returned to the premises to harass and threaten Mr. Rotifa. Later that day, while acting on the instruction of the school proprietor, the Vice Principal lodged a formal complaint at a nearby police station.
Two officers accompanied him in a patrol van to trace the suspects. But while returning, the group was ambushed by the alleged assailants, who stopped the van, dragged Mr. Rotifa out, and beat him up in full view of the officers. He was later taken to the hospital for treatment and has since been discharged.
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“The Vice Principal has not returned to his home out of fear of further attacks,” the school principal reportedly told state investigators. “Security arrangements are now being put in place for the protection of staff and students as the WASSCE continues.”
Authorities have begun investigating the incident, and efforts are underway to identify and arrest the culprits involved in the assault.
Despite repeated attempts, the school’s principal declined to comment on the incident.
The Ondo State Ministry of Education has assured the public that it is closely monitoring the situation to ensure justice is served and to safeguard the integrity of the examination process.
This incident comes amid growing national concerns over the sanctity of public examinations, with stakeholders calling for stricter enforcement of rules and protection for educators on the frontlines.