Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
The Principal of Day Waterman College, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Mr. Ahmed Kamal, has described teachers who use corporal punishment on students as “quacks,” regardless of their academic qualifications.
Mr. Kamal made this assertion while addressing journalists over the weekend in reaction to the death of Monday Arijo, a student of Obada Grammar School. Arijo reportedly died after being subjected to 162 frog jumps and 24 strokes of the cane, allegedly inflicted by a teacher, Azamdjo Elijah.
Kamal argued that any teacher, whether in public or private schools, who cannot discipline students without resorting to corporal punishment lacks proper training and the emotional maturity necessary for the profession.
He expressed support for the Ogun State government’s ban on corporal punishment in schools, calling for the dismissal of teachers who continue to administer it.
“Teachers who use corporal punishment as a form of discipline, despite being certified or qualified, are quacks in my opinion. Corporal punishment is a quick fix born out of anger. These teachers often act impulsively, only to regret their actions later when they realize the child’s offense didn’t warrant such extreme measures,” Kamal stated.
He lamented the irreversible damage caused by corporal punishment, emphasizing the need for a shift in teacher behavior to improve the quality of education.
“The harm caused by corporal punishment is irreparable. Teachers must model better behavior, as students often reflect the conduct of their educators. No education system can excel beyond the quality of its teachers. Those who cannot uphold these standards have no place in the teaching profession,” Kamal added.
The principal called on education authorities to take stricter action against such teachers to create a safer and more conducive learning environment for students.