Kwara Poly suspends lecturer after viral video of IJMB candidates being caned

Kwara State Polytechnic has suspended a lecturer seen in a viral video physically punishing candidates of the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) programme on the institution’s campus.

The footage, which spread widely on social media on Monday, showed several candidates kneeling with their hands raised while the lecturer struck their palms with a cane. The video quickly attracted public criticism, with many Nigerians questioning the use of corporal punishment in an academic environment and demanding disciplinary action.

The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Akinteye Babatunde, condemned the lecturer’s conduct and insisted that students should not be subjected to physical abuse.

He wrote, “A lecturer in Kwara State Polytechnic asked IJMB students to kneel down and he beat them up with a cane. Such act is condemnable. Students are not animals and should never be treated as such. There are different ways to punish erring students, not beating them up.

“As much as students must never assault lecturers or act rudely to them, lecturers don’t also have the right to assault students. I hereby call on the Kwara State Polytechnic management to investigate this issue and sanctions should be made where necessary.”

Responding to the controversy, the institution issued a statement through its Public Relations Officer, Halimat Garba, clarifying that those shown in the video were IJMB candidates and not regular students of the polytechnic.

“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.”

The management stated that the circumstances that led to the lecturer’s actions were still being examined. However, it stressed that the method used was unacceptable and inconsistent with the institution’s values.

“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,” the statement said.

The institution further reiterated its commitment to maintaining a learning environment built on dignity, respect and positive engagement.

“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 statement said.

As part of the immediate measures taken, the lecturer has been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation.

“The Polytechnic Management therefore suspends the concerned lecturer from his duties pending the outcome of the findings on this matter.

“We appreciate the concerns raised by stakeholders regarding this incident and assure the public that the matter is being taken very seriously.

“In light of this incident, the Management wishes to express its sincere confidence to the public in the integrity and values for which Kwarapoly is known. We are determining the necessary steps to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the future,” the statement added.

The incident has renewed debate over acceptable disciplinary practices in educational institutions, with many stakeholders calling for measures that prioritise respect, accountability and student welfare.