The Ogun State Government has announced the closure of Obada Grammar School, Obada, Idi-Emi in Imeko Afon Local Government Area over the death of an SS2 student, Monday Arijo.
The Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Dapo Abiodun, Mr Lekan Adeniran, announced this in a statement issued in Abeokuta and made available to newsmen on Tuesday.
Adeniran also announced the suspension of the Principal of the school, Mrs Tamrat Onaolapo.
He added that Onaolapo was earlier issued a query “for allowing corporal punishment against the established rules and regulations in the state”.
He stated that the measure followed the arrest and suspension of the teacher allegedly responsible for the death of the student on Friday, resulting from the corporal punishment.
He also explained that the closure of the school was based on the directive of the governor.
The statement added that the governor had also directed that a panel be set up to investigate the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident.
Adeniran also explained that the governor had promised that those found liable at the end of the investigation would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“Representatives of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology have also visited the family of the late student.
“The visit was to offer condolences to the family and express the ministry’s sorrow over their loss as well as collect first-hand accounts of the incident for a thorough investigation.
“The officials assured the family that thorough investigation would be launched to determine the facts surrounding the incident and that accountability would be pursued.
“They reiterated the government’s commitment to learners’ safety, the creation of a more supportive school environment, and justice for the bereaved family over the sudden death of their son.
“A condolence letter to commiserate with the bereaved family over the loss as well as a cash gift of N500,000 were handed over to the representative of the family.
“The officials were received by the family members, who expressed their grief and shock at the sudden loss of their child,” the statement added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Ariyo died, following the corporal punishment that included 42 strokes of the cane and 162 frog jumps, which reportedly made him to slump.
It was further learnt that he was later taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
(NAN)