Suspected thugs hired by a parent of a student at Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, in Ondo State reportedly assaulted the school’s Vice Principal after he stopped the student from cheating during the ongoing West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) exams.
The Vice Principal, Mr. Rotifa, had confiscated an Android phone from a senior secondary three (SS3) student caught with it during the exam, which is against school and examination rules. This led to tensions between the school and the student’s family.
A report from the Ondo State Ministry of Education, prepared by the Director of Schools, explains the sequence of events. “The incident started on May 26, when an android phone was found with one SS 3 student which is contrary to the rules and regulations of the school and Mr Rotifa, the Vice Principal of the school seized the phone from him.”
According to the report, the student’s mother came to the school to argue with management, demanding the phone be returned. The school proprietor eventually gave the phone back to her, which angered the Vice Principal.
Later, the student’s older brother, who is an alumnus of the school, visited and threatened Mr. Rotifa. After school hours, some boys connected to the family were seen loitering near the school. The proprietor informed the Vice Principal, who was advised to report the threats to the police.
Mr. Rotifa went to the police station with two officers, who took him in their van to search for the suspects. However, while returning to the station, the police van was stopped by the boys, who forcibly took Mr. Rotifa out and violently attacked him. He was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The school principal confirmed that Mr. Rotifa has since been discharged but is staying away from his home out of fear that the attackers might return. Authorities are continuing investigations and working to ensure the safety of both staff and students during the remaining WAEC exams.
