The Kwara State Government has taken decisive action against a teacher at the Government Day Junior Secondary School, Kulende, Ilorin, following allegations that she physically assaulted a female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The incident, which took place last week, has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the safety of corps members in the state.
According to reports, the female corps member had gone to the school to collect her clearance letter when the incident occurred. A teacher at the school accused her of not greeting properly, which escalated into a physical confrontation.
“The teacher said she did not greet well and that was how it all started. The teacher beat her and tore her clothes,” a source close to the situation revealed.
The shocking incident has led to a public outcry, with many questioning the behavior of the teacher and the treatment of corps members in Kwara State.
When contacted, Carol Lembu, the NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, confirmed the incident. She stated that the issue was being handled and that the affected corps member would be transferred for her safety.
“The issue has been reported to the appropriate government agency, and an investigation is underway. In the meantime, the corps member will be reposted out of the school for her safety,” Lembu said.
The assault has raised serious concerns about the protection of corps members, who are usually posted to various parts of the country for their national service.
In a subsequent press statement, the Kwara State Government revealed the outcome of its investigation into the incident. The statement, issued by the Press Secretary of the Kwara Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Sam Bola Onile, confirmed that the teacher, identified as Hamzat Fatimoh Nike, was found guilty of several violations.
The investigation revealed that the teacher’s actions, which included physical violence, the use of foul language, insubordination, and disrespect for the NYSC uniform, went against the expected conduct of public servants.
“An investigation found Hajia Hamzat Fatimoh Nike guilty of fighting on duty, use of foul language, insubordination, and disrespect for the national identity, which the uniform of the corps members represents,” the statement read.
As a result, the teacher was demoted by two grade levels and transferred out of her current school. In addition, she is required to undergo counseling sessions as part of her punishment.
“The State Government will not tolerate such abuse under any guise. The Government deeply regrets the action of the teacher and reassures the management of the National Youth Service Corps that the development did not represent the people of the State, and it will not happen again,” the statement emphasized.
The Kwara State Government also reiterated its commitment to upholding the rights of corps members and ensuring that such incidents do not occur in the future.
“The State Government urges teachers in the state to remain law-abiding at all times by performing their duties in accordance with the laid-down procedure. The State Government will continue to prioritize training on teaching ethics and procedures of service,” the statement concluded.
The demotion of the teacher has been seen as a step in the right direction by many, as it signals the government’s commitment to addressing abuse and misconduct in schools.
The NYSC, which deploys young graduates to various parts of the country for one-year national service, has faced criticism in the past over the treatment of corps members. While the government’s swift action in this case has been welcomed, many are calling for stronger measures to protect corps members from abuse.
