The Ogun State Government has ordered the immediate shutdown of Obada Grammar School, located in Obada, Idi-Emi, following the tragic death of Monday Arijo, a Senior Secondary School 2 student who reportedly passed away due to corporal punishment administered by a teacher last Friday.
In response to the incident, the teacher allegedly responsible for the student’s death has been arrested and placed on suspension.
Furthermore, the school’s principal, Mrs. Tamrat Onaolapo, has also been suspended after receiving an official query for permitting corporal punishment—a practice against the state’s educational policies—to be used on the student.
The PUNCH reported that the announcement came through a statement issued by Mr. Lekan Adeniran Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dapo Abiodun, which was shared with journalists on Tuesday.
The statement revealed that Governor Abiodun directed the school’s closure and called for an investigative panel to delve into the events leading to Monday Arijo’s tragic demise.
“The closure of the school was based on the directive of the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, who has also directed that a panel should be set up to investigate the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident,” the statement reads, adding that the governor pledged accountability, stating, “The governor has promised that those liable by the outcome of the investigation will be made to face the full wrath of the law.”
In a show of support and sympathy, representatives from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology visited the bereaved family to express their sorrow and offer condolences.
The delegation, comprising high-ranking officials such as the Director of Secondary and Higher Education, Principals General from the Egba and Yewa Divisions, Zonal Education Officer of Imeko Afon, and leaders from ANCOPPS, Trade Union Congress, and ASSUS, gathered to offer their respects and personally listen to the family’s account of the incident, laying the groundwork for an exhaustive investigation.
During the visit, the Principals General and Director of Education conveyed their deepest sympathies, offering the state government’s unwavering support.
They reassured the family that a rigorous investigation would be conducted to uncover the details surrounding the incident and that justice would be pursued with full commitment.
They underscored the government’s dedication to creating a safer and more nurturing educational environment for students across the state, vowing that the safety of learners would remain a priority.
The Divisional Police Officer of Idi-Emi also joined in addressing the family, promising that the investigation would expose every fact about the tragedy and confirming that those responsible would face justice.
He further reassured the family of continued safety measures to protect other students at the school.
As part of the visit, the officials presented a condolence letter and a cash gift of N500,000 to a family representative, marking the state’s sincere effort to console the grieving relatives.
The family, who received the officials, expressed their overwhelming grief and shock at the sudden loss of their child, reflecting the painful impact of the incident on their lives.
The government’s commitment to a thorough investigation and pledge of justice has become a source of comfort to the family as they continue to mourn their son’s untimely passing.
