A troubling incident has been reported at Complete Child Development College in Akure, Ondo State, where the Vice Principal, Mr. Rotifa, was allegedly assaulted by suspected thugs. The attack was said to be linked to his efforts to prevent a student from engaging in exam malpractice during the ongoing WASSCE.
According to findings by the Ondo State Ministry of Education, the incident began on May 26 when Mr. Rotifa confiscated an Android phone from an SS3 student caught with it during the examination. A few days later, the student’s mother reportedly stormed the school in anger, leading to the eventual attack.
The ministry’s report, signed by the Director of Schools, indicated that the assault may have been incited by the parent’s outrage over the seizure. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
The report reads:
“The incident started on May 26, when an android phone was found with one SS3 student, which is contrary to the rules and regulations of the school, and Mr. Rotifa, the Vice Principal, seized the phone.
“On Thursday, the student’s mother came to the school to fight with the management to the extent that the school proprietor ordered the phone returned to her.
“The student’s brother, who happened to be a former student of the school, later returned to harass and threaten the Vice Principal.
“After school hours, the boys were seen loitering in the area. The proprietor was informed and advised Mr. Rotifa to report the matter at the police station.
“He went to the police, and two officers took him in their van to look for the boys, likely to arrest them.
“They couldn’t find them. But on their way back to the station, the boys waylaid the police van, stopped it, pulled out Mr. Rotifa, and beat him up. He was taken to the hospital for treatment.
“According to the school principal, Mr. Rotifa has been discharged but has not returned home out of fear that the boys may come after him again.
“Further investigations are ongoing to apprehend the culprits. Arrangements are also being made to ensure the safety of staff and students during the rest of the WASSCE.”
The Ondo State Ministry of Education confirmed that measures are being put in place to secure the school environment for the remaining examination period.
Efforts to get an official comment from the school principal were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.