The Ogun State government has closed Obada Grammar School in Obada, Idi-emi, following the tragic death of Master Monday Arijo, a Senior Secondary 2 student at the institution.
This decision was made after the arrest and suspension of the teacher allegedly responsible for the student’s death, which was reportedly due to corporal punishment administered last Friday.
The school’s Principal, Mrs Tamrat Onaolapo, who had previously received a query for permitting corporal punishment in violation of state regulations, has also been suspended.
The school’s closure was enacted under the directive of the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who has mandated the establishment of a panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident.
The governor has assured that those found culpable will face the full extent of the law.
Representatives from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology visited the deceased student’s family to offer condolences and express the Ministry’s sorrow over their loss. The delegation aimed to gather first-hand accounts of the incident to facilitate a thorough investigation.
The team included the Director of the Secondary and Higher Education Department, the Principals General of the Egba and Yewa Divisions, the Zonal Education Officer of Imeko Afon, as well as representatives from the Association of Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS), the Ogun State President of the Trade Union Congress, and the Ogun State Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASSUS).
During their visit, the officials extended heartfelt condolences to the family and pledged the support of the state government during this difficult time. They assured the family that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident and that accountability would be pursued.
The officials reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of students and fostering a supportive school environment, as well as seeking justice for the bereaved family following the sudden loss of their son.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Idi-emi assured the family that the details surrounding this tragic incident would be thoroughly examined and that justice would be served. He also guaranteed the safety of their other children within the school.
As a gesture of sympathy, a condolence letter and a cash gift of ₦500,000 were presented to a representative of the deceased family. The family received the officials and expressed their profound grief and shock at the untimely loss of their child.
