Kwara govt condemns student attacks on teachers, vows disciplinary action
...Violence against teachers is an attack on the future, says Commissioner
By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government has decried the rising spate of violent attacks on teachers across the state, warning that such incidents will no longer be tolerated under any circumstances.
The warning followed a disturbing case in Ilorin where a teacher was assaulted by two siblings within the school premises during school hours.
Speaking in Ilorin, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, described the trend as “very disturbing” and unacceptable in any society that values education and prepares responsibly for its future.
He said: “These attacks are not just alarming they are an assault on the very foundations of our educational system, when we attack teachers, we attack the future.”
The Commissioner confirmed that a disciplinary panel has been constituted to investigate the latest assault incident and recommend appropriate actions. He assured that any student found culpable will face disciplinary measures in accordance with the law and school regulations.
He warned that the state government would not condone any form of violence or disrespect towards educators, no matter the background or age of the student involved.
“Assaults on teachers by students will not go unpunished. These are individuals who are guiding the future of our children,” he said.
Dr. Olohungbebe also took aim at some parents, accusing them of complicity by enabling or justifying their children's bad behaviour. He said that parents who shield their wards from accountability would be dealt with decisively.
“Anyone found encouraging violence or obstructing justice in such cases will face the full force of the law regardless of their status,” he warned.
The Education Commissioner reiterated the state government's commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of teachers across all public schools.
He noted that the huge investment in the education sector by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq over the last six years must be protected from being undermined by disruptive conduct.
“Teachers must feel safe and supported in their duty to mould future generations. This administration will not allow undesirable elements to sabotage the progress made in the education sector,” he added.