By Emmanuel Dada
On 29th of October, 2024, the Ogun State Government shut down Obada Grammar School, Obada, Idi-Emi over the death of a SS2 student of the school, Monday Arijo.
The student was severely punished to death by a teacher.
The ugly incident brings to bear the lingering call for the abolishment of corporal punishment in Nigerian schools.
Corporal punishment has been a deeply embedded practice in Nigerian schools for generations, which is seen by many as a tool to correct misbehaviour in students.
However, the recent cases of extreme disciplinary measures leading to injuries and even death have reignited debates on the safety, effectiveness, and ethical implications of physical punishment in educational settings.
In the Nigerian context, corporal punishment has its origin in a traditional approach to child-rearing, where physical discipline is often considered an effective way to instil respect and also compel obedience.
Many parents, teachers, and community elders believe that sparing physical discipline leads to a lack of control of the younger generation.
Despite its popularity, the practice has increasingly come under public scrutiny as evidence has shown of its long-term negative effects on students’ mental and emotional health.
As Nigeria’s educational sector modernizes, the discussion around whether corporal punishment still has a place in schools has become increasingly polarized, with critical stakeholders calling for justice and accountability.
According to data from UNICEF, an alarming 85% of Nigerian students aged between one and fourteen experience some form of violent discipline in schools, with nearly one-third subjected to severe physical punishment.
This statistics explains the realities of an average young Nigerian student in the classroom.
Beyond the physical harm, corporal punishment has far-reaching effects on students’ psychological health.
Studies have shown that corporal punishment can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, trauma and death.
Studies have also shown that students subjected to harsh punishment often develop a fear of school, affecting their overall academic performance and stifling their curiosity and motivation.
Children subjected to physical punishment may also carry a cycle of aggression into adulthood, as they come to associate violence with authority.
When schools, intended as safe spaces for learning, become places of fear and intimidation, the long-term societal costs are enormous.
Though Nigeria’s child rights act of 2003, explicitly prohibits all forms of physical abuse in schools, enforcement of the act remains inconsistent across states.
Many teachers operate with minimal oversight, and some are unaware of or dismissive of the laws meant to protect children from harm.
Moreover, traditional attitudes often override legal directives, with some parents and guardians occasionally supporting or even demanding corporal punishment to straighten out their children and wards.
In recent years, the United Nations has called for an outright ban on all forms of corporal punishment, emphasizing that it violates fundamental human rights
The absence of a uniform guideline for permissible disciplinary actions in schools has created room for abuse.
While some states have taken steps to reduce corporal punishment, others are yet to align with national policies, highlighting the urgent need for consistent enforcement.
As awareness grows about the harms of corporal punishment, there is an increasing push for non-violent disciplinary methods that promote positive behaviour without physical force.
Educators have advocated several alternative approaches, while also fostering a supportive learning environment, and respecting children’s dignity.
For example, the introduction of conflict resolution and anger management programmes can equip students with better ways to manage behaviour and foster a respectful school environment.
schools should focus on training teachers in behavioural management techniques, focusing on open communication, and developing mutual respect with students.
Teachers are encouraged to use guidance and counselling rather than corporal punishment, leading to improved student participation and engagement
As Nigeria deals with the consequences of corporal punishment, the need for systemic change in how schools approach discipline is clearer than ever.
The death of Monday Arijo is not just a tragic incident but a glaring symptom of a larger societal issue.
The ministry of education, school administrators, and parents must work together to create a safe, nurturing environment that will foster learning and development without the risk of violence. With the right support, Nigerian schools can become spaces where students are encouraged to grow without fear, learning that corporal punishment does not have to come at the expense of their dignity or safety.
