Mrs. Stella Nwadigbo, a teacher at Christ-Mitots School in Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), was arrested after a video surfaced showing her slapping a 3-year-old pupil, Master Abayomi Michael, for failing to write numbers 61 and 62 correctly.
The incident, which went viral, prompted swift action from local authorities and community leaders. A reporter from THE IMPACT escalated the matter by alerting Ikorodu West LCDA Chairman Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju, Council Leader Hon. Jessica Oba, and other council functionaries via a WhatsApp platform. This led to the involvement of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Owutu, as well as officers from the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), who subsequently arrested the teacher at the school after reading her rights.
The school proprietor reportedly cooperated with the authorities during the arrest.
Community members, including educators and public commentators, condemned the teacher’s actions, labeling them as barbaric and unprofessional. Many called for her prosecution, emphasizing the need for proper regulation and monitoring of private schools in the state.
Educator Kunle Sopitan criticized the teaching approach, stating, “This is a wrong way to impart knowledge… very wicked and malicious.” Similarly, agripreneur Arinola Okeowo added, “That was abuse, and the woman deserves whatever she gets because I am sure that was not her first time.”
Some commentators highlighted broader issues within private schools, such as lack of monitoring and unqualified teachers. “Most private schools in Lagos are not properly regulated, leading to such incidents,” remarked Mr. Owolabi Anifowoshe.
The school management has suspended the teacher, and local authorities are investigating the matter further. Meanwhile, the child, Master Abayomi Michael, is reportedly in good condition, according to Otunba Bayo Lawson, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikorodu West LGA.
While some called for leniency toward the teacher, others urged stricter measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, stressing the importance of safeguarding children in educational institutions.
