The management of Kwara State Polytechnic has suspended a lecturer captured in a viral video physically reprimanding students, describing the action as inappropriate and contrary to the institution’s values.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Polytechnic’s Public Relations Officer, Halimat Garba, the institution clarified that the individuals seen in the video were not students of the Polytechnic but candidates of the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programme.
According to the statement, the candidates arrived late for their ongoing examinations when the incident occurred.
“The Management wishes to clarify that the students depicted in the video are not Polytechnic students but rather IJMB candidates who arrived late for their ongoing examinations,” the statement said.
The institution noted that while the motive behind the lecturer’s action was yet to be determined, physical punishment and violence have no place in the Polytechnic’s disciplinary system.
It stressed that education should be based on respect, understanding and constructive guidance, adding that there are more humane and effective ways of instilling discipline and values in students.
Following the incident, the Polytechnic announced the immediate suspension of the lecturer pending the outcome of an investigation into the matter.
“The Polytechnic Management therefore suspends the concerned lecturer from his duties henceforth pending the outcome of the findings on this matter,” the statement added.
The management also assured members of the public and stakeholders that the matter was being treated with the seriousness it deserves and that measures would be put in place to prevent a recurrence.
It further reaffirmed its commitment to the integrity and values for which the institution is known.