Stella Nwadigbo, a teacher at Christ-Miltos International School in Ikorodu, Lagos, has been arraigned following a disturbing incident in which she physically assaulted a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael.
The attack, captured in a viral video, showed Nwadigbo slapping the child repeatedly on the ear for being unable to write the figure six correctly.
Medical reports have revealed that the assault caused significant ear damage, with doctors warning of potential permanent hearing loss.
The victim’s mother, Adenike Okunlaya, a widow and fellow teacher at the same school, discovered the video and was horrified by the treatment of her only son.
Okunlaya, who also engages in menial jobs to supplement her income, had previously dismissed her son’s complaints about Nwadigbo’s harshness as routine discipline.
However, upon seeing the distressing footage, she sought intervention through her pastor rather than directly confronting the teacher.
The video, which caused widespread outrage on social media, prompted swift action. The school management immediately suspended Nwadigbo, describing her behaviour as completely unacceptable and contrary to the school’s values of respect and care.
Meanwhile, Okunlaya took her son to Ikorodu General Hospital, where the boy received treatment, and filed a formal complaint with the police.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LSDSVA) has also intervened, initiating an investigation into the incident.
In a public statement, the agency condemned the assault and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in schools.
It urged anyone with additional information to report through its toll-free hotline or social media channels.
Public figures and organisations have also condemned the attack.
The Chief Operating Officer of the Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network, Ebenezer Omejalile, described the incident as an extreme form of child cruelty.
He called for stringent legal actions against Nwadigbo to serve as a deterrent to others, while also advocating for psychological support and self-esteem rebuilding for the young victim.
The school has pledged to take additional steps to prevent such incidents in the future
These measures include mandatory training for teachers on child protection protocols and positive disciplinary practices, as well as the introduction of a confidential whistleblowing system to report misconduct.
On Thursday, January 9, 2025, Nwadigbo was arrested and arraigned before Magistrate M.O. Kusanu at Ogba Magistrate’s Court, where she faced charges of assault and indecent treatment of a child.
She pleaded not guilty and has been remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Facility until her next hearing, scheduled for February 18.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the use of corporal punishment in schools.
Advocates are calling for stricter regulations to ensure that schools create safe and nurturing environments for all children.
The LSDSVA emphasised that institutions of learning must uphold a zero-tolerance policy for abuse in any form.
This case highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to protect vulnerable pupils and ensure accountability for those entrusted with their care.
Authorities are urged to pursue justice rigorously, including compensation for the victim and his family, to help restore their confidence and alleviate the trauma caused by this appalling incident.
