Kwara Polytechnic suspends a lecturer after viral video shows flogging IJMB candidates for lateness, sparking outrage and disciplinary investigation.
The management of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has taken decisive action by ordering the suspension of a lecturer suspension case that has now drawn wide public attention following a disturbing viral video from the campus environment.
The incident involved a lecturer at the institution who was seen physically punishing candidates of the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programme during an examination session.
The footage, which circulated widely on social media platforms, showed the lecturer repeatedly flogging several candidates on their palms after they reportedly arrived late for their scheduled papers.
The scene immediately triggered criticism from the public, students, and education stakeholders.
The controversy surrounding the lecturer suspension began shortly after the video surfaced online on Monday, raising concerns about disciplinary methods used within tertiary institutions.
Many observers described the act as outdated and inappropriate, especially in a higher institution where students are expected to be treated with dignity and guided through professional academic standards.
As reactions intensified, the management of Kwara Polytechnic responded with an official statement through its spokesperson, Hajia Halimat Garba.
The institution confirmed that it had reviewed the situation and taken immediate steps to suspend the lecturer pending a full investigation into the matter.
This action marks a clear stance in the ongoing lecturer suspension process aimed at maintaining order and accountability within the school system.
In its clarification, the institution explained that the individuals seen in the viral clip were not regular polytechnic students but IJMB candidates who had reportedly arrived late for their examination.
However, the management stressed that regardless of the circumstances, the method used in handling the situation was unacceptable and does not align with institutional policies.
The school authority emphasized that Kwara State Polytechnic strongly discourages any form of physical punishment or violence as a disciplinary tool.
According to the statement, education should be anchored on mutual respect, guidance, and constructive correction rather than force or intimidation.
This position further reinforces the importance of proper conduct among staff, especially in sensitive academic environments.
The ongoing lecturer suspension has also drawn attention to broader concerns about discipline and professionalism in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
While some members of the public argue that strict measures are sometimes necessary to enforce punctuality and order, the overwhelming opinion online has leaned towards non-violent approaches that respect students’ rights and institutional regulations.
The management reiterated that although the lecturer’s intention has not been fully established, the act itself was inappropriate and unacceptable.
It added that investigations are underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken in line with institutional guidelines.
Kwara Polytechnic also reassured stakeholders that it remains committed to upholding discipline, integrity, and academic excellence.
The institution noted that the lecturer suspension is part of its effort to preserve its reputation and ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
The statement read: “The attention of Kwara State Polytechnic management has been drawn to a viral video circulating on social media in which a lecturer is seen physically reprimanding students.
“The Management wishes to clarify that the students depicted in the video are not Polytechnic students but rather IJMB (Interim Joint Matriculation Board) candidates who arrived late for their ongoing examinations.
“While the intention for which the action was done is not yet known, we must emphasize that the approach taken was wholly inappropriate as the Polytechnic stands firmly against any form of violence or physical punishment as a means of discipline.
“We believe that education should be rooted in respect, understanding, and constructive guidance, and that there are far more effective and humane ways to instill important values in students.
“The Polytechnic Management therefore suspends the concerned lecturer from his duties henceforth, pending the outcome of the findings on this matter.
“We appreciate the concerns raised by stakeholders regarding this incident and assures the public that the matter is being taken very seriously.
“We are determining the necessary steps to prevent subsequent recurrence in the future,” it further stated.
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