- Safiu Kehinde
Christ Mitots School in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has indefinitely suspended 45-year-old teacher, Stella Nwadigo, who was captured in a viral video assaulting a three-year-old pupil over his inability to write numerical figures.
This was contained in a statement issued by the school management on Thursday.
While condemning the disturbing incident, Christ Mitots school expressed its commitment to fostering a culture of respect, care, and dignity.
“We are aware of a deeply troubling incident involving a teacher engaging in physical discipline of a student in a manner that is completely unacceptable.
“As an institution that is deeply committed to fostering a culture of respect, care and dignity, we are horrified by this incident and wish to make it clear that such actions will not be tolerated.
“In response, the teacher involved has been suspended indefinitely, while a thorough investigation is being conducted,” it said.
The school said that its immediate and decisive action reflected its zero-tolerance for misconduct and its obligation to safeguard every child under its care.
“As such, we have an open-door policy to provide students, parents and guardians with a safe space to voice any concerns without fear,” the statement read.
The school further disclosed that it had apologised to the pupil and his family.
“We have reached out to them to express our regret.
“We ask for the public’s patience and understanding as we work to address this matter responsibly and comprehensively.
“We will be organising mandatory training sessions for teachers to reinforce child protection protocols, emphasise positive disciplinary practices, and cultivate greater sensitivity in interactions with students,” it added.
According to the school, it has also introduced a whistle-blowing system to encourage prompt reporting of inappropriate behaviour.
NPO Reported that the embattled teacher had sparked outrage on Wednesday after a two-minute video clip of her slapping 3-year-old toddler for not learning number writing fast went viral on X.
The video attracted public condemnation, which led to the teacher’s arrest which was confirmed by the Lagos State Police Command and Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LDSVA).