The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has expressed its full support for the Kwara State government’s decision to demote a school teacher who physically assaulted a female corps member at a secondary school in Ilorin.
The incident, which has sparked outrage across the nation, occurred last week when the corps member visited the Government Day Junior Secondary School, Kulende, to collect her clearance letter.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the assault began when the teacher, identified as Hamzat Fatimoh Nike, accused the corps member of failing to greet her properly.
“A 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 incident told SaharaReporters.
Following the attack, the corps member reported the matter, which led to an investigation by the Kwara State government. The investigation revealed that the teacher’s actions were unprofessional, leading to the decision to demote her. The teacher’s punishment was confirmed in a press statement by Sam Bola Onile, the Press Secretary of Kwara TESCOM (Kwara State Teaching Service Commission).
The state government’s decision has been met with approval from the NYSC, which praised Kwara State for its objective handling of the matter. Caroline Embu, Acting Director of Information and Public Relations at NYSC, released a statement on Thursday commending the state’s investigation and actions.
The statement highlighted the importance of treating corps members with dignity and respect, stressing that the welfare and safety of the young Nigerians serving across the country remains the NYSC’s top priority.
“The Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, has applauded the Kwara State Government over its sanctions on a school teacher, Hajia Fatimoh Nike Hamzat, who recently assaulted a female Corps Member,” the statement said.
General Ahmed further praised the investigative panel set up by the Kwara government, calling its work “fair and in line with the Public Service Rules.”
The NYSC emphasized that it would not tolerate any form of abuse or maltreatment directed at corps members. As part of a national service program aimed at fostering unity and nation-building, corps members should be treated with respect by all Nigerians, including their employers.
“We do not condone any form of maltreatment of Corps Members. These young men and women are on National Assignment, contributing to the development and unity of Nigeria. They deserve to be valued, appreciated, and treated decently,” General Ahmed said in his statement.
The statement also reminded corps members of their responsibility to maintain high standards of conduct, urging them to continue performing their duties as good ambassadors of the NYSC and as dedicated contributors to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
The assault on the corps member, which involved both verbal and physical abuse, occurred when she visited the school to collect the required clearance letter from her employer. When the corps member failed to greet the teacher in a manner the teacher deemed proper, the situation escalated into violence.
Afterward, the corps member took the necessary steps, filing a complaint with the NYSC. The NYSC then forwarded the complaint to the Kwara State government, which swiftly acted by setting up an investigative panel. The panel’s findings were found to be fair and just, leading to the teacher’s demotion.
“General Ahmed stated further that the security and welfare of Corps Members remains the topmost priority of his administration,” the NYSC press statement added. “The Scheme will continue to protect its members and ensure their safety during their service year.”
The incident has also highlighted the importance of respecting the rights of all citizens, including those in the NYSC program. Corps members, who serve across the country in different sectors, often face challenges in their host communities. Incidents like this are reminders of the need for zero tolerance toward abuse in any form.
While this incident may have been an isolated case, it has sparked widespread discussions on the treatment of corps members. Many Nigerians have expressed their outrage over the teacher’s actions, urging schools and employers to show more respect to those in national service.
