Ogun suspends teacher after student’s death from severe punishment

The Ogun State Government has announced the suspension of Amzadjo Elijah, a teacher at Obada Grammar School, following the tragic death of a student, Monday Arijo.

Reports indicate that Arijo’s passing was linked to complications arising from an extreme punishment he received at school.

The suspension was confirmed in a statement posted on the Ogun State Government’s official X page on Sunday.

According to multiple sources, Monday Arijo died after spending ten days in the hospital due to severe health issues that developed after he collapsed at school.

This collapse was reportedly triggered by an extreme punishment that involved performing 162 frog jumps and receiving 24 strokes of the cane, which had been ordered by the school’s principal, Mrs. Tamrat Onaolapo.

The punishment was allegedly imposed in retaliation for Arijo’s comment regarding the school’s purchase of a dustbin, which was funded through money collected from students.

This incident has raised significant concerns about the enforcement of disciplinary practices within the educational system.

In its statement, the Ogun State Government, through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, condemned the actions taken against Arijo.

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“The Ogun State Government has suspended a teacher alleged to have beaten and punished Master Monday Arijo, an SS2 student of Obada Grammar School, Obada, Idi-emi, which reportedly led to his demise,” the statement read.

Furthermore, the principal, Mrs. Onaolapo, has been formally queried about her involvement in permitting such a punishment, which is in direct violation of established state regulations governing student discipline.

She has been given 24 hours to provide justification for her actions and to explain why disciplinary measures should not be taken against her.

In a compassionate gesture, the government expressed its condolences to the bereaved family, acknowledging Monday Arijo as an exceptional student.

“A letter of condolence was sent to the bereaved family, commiserating with them on the sudden death of their loving son and promising to seek justice for the family,” the statement continued.

The letter, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, highlighted the loss of an outstanding pupil who would be profoundly missed by his classmates, the school community, and the state at large.

It concluded with heartfelt prayers for strength for the family to cope with their irreplaceable loss and for the peace of the departed soul.