The Ogun State Government has suspended Amzadjo Elijah, a teacher at Obada Grammar School, after the death of student Monday Arijo, who reportedly suffered complications from a severe punishment.
The suspension was announced in a statement on the state government’s X page on Sunday.
Reports indicate that Arijo passed away after spending ten days in the hospital following his collapse. This incident occurred after he was made to perform 162 frog jumps and received 24 strokes of the cane. The punishment was allegedly ordered by the school principal in response to Arijo’s remark about the school’s purchase of a dustbin using funds collected from students.
The statement further revealed that the principal, Mrs. Tamrat Onaolapo, has been queried regarding her role in permitting the punishment, which contravenes established state regulations.
“The Ogun State Government, through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, has suspended a teacher alleged to have beaten and punished one Master Monday Arijo, an SS2 student of Obada Grammar School, Obada, Idi-emi, which reportedly led to his demise,” the statement said.
The government also confirmed that the teacher was arrested in connection with the incident, while Mrs. Onaolapo was given 24 hours to justify her actions and explain why disciplinary measures should not be imposed on her.
In addition, the government expressed condolences to Arijo’s family, describing him as an exceptional learner.
“Subsequently, a letter of condolence was sent to the bereaved family, commiserating with them on the sudden death of their loving son and promising to get justice for the family,” the statement continued.
The letter, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, noted the loss of an outstanding pupil who would be dearly missed by his peers, the school, and the state as a whole. It concluded with prayers for strength for the family to cope with their irreplaceable loss and for the peace of the departed soul.