Lagos school slams suspension on teacher filmed assaulting 3-year-old pupil

• The teacher was caught on video assaulting a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael, during a numeracy lesson
• The institution assured the public that the teacher would remain suspended until the ongoing investigation is concluded
  

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Christ Mitots School located in the Ikorodu area of Lagos, on Thursday, announced the indefinite suspension of a teacher, Stella Nwadigo, caught on video assaulting a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael, during a numeracy lesson.

The disturbing footage, which surfaced on social media, shows the female teacher violently smacking the young child for struggling with the lesson. The video sparked widespread outrage, leading to the teacher’s subsequent arrest on Wednesday.

In a statement, the school management condemned the teacher’s actions, describing them as unacceptable.

The institution assured the public that the teacher would remain suspended until the ongoing investigation is concluded.

“We are aware of a deeply troubling incident involving one of our teachers and a student, which has been circulating on social media,” the statement reads.

“The video shows a teacher engaging in the physical discipline of a student in a manner that is completely unacceptable and contrary to the values and principles of our school.

“As an institution deeply committed to fostering a culture of respect, care, and dignity, we are horrified by this incident and wish to make unequivocally clear that such actions will not be tolerated.

“In response, the teacher involved has been suspended indefinitely while a thorough investigation is conducted.

“This immediate and decisive action reflects our zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct and our obligation to safeguard the safety and well-being of every child under our care.

“We extend our sincerest apologies to the student and their family. We have reached out to them personally to express our regret, after cur support, and ensure that their needs are fully addressed during this time.

“In light of this incident, we are taking firm steps to ensure that such behaviour is never repeated. As such, we will be organizing mandatory training sessions for teachers to reinforce child protection protocols, emphasize positive disciplinary practices, and cultivate greater sensitivity in interactions with students.”

The management further said it has introduced a “confidential whistle-blowing system” to encourage the prompt reporting of inappropriate behaviour.