A deeply troubling incident unfolded at Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, Ondo State, where the school’s Vice Principal, Mr. Rotifa, was reportedly viciously attacked by suspected thugs after he intervened to prevent a student from engaging in examination malpractice during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
According to preliminary findings released by the Ondo State Ministry of Education, the violent assault appears to have been instigated by a parent who was outraged after her child was caught with an android phone during the exam, a clear violation of exam rules.
The ministry’s official report, signed by the Director of Schools, details the sequence of events, which began on May 26 when Mr. Rotifa confiscated the mobile phone from an SS3 student found in possession of the device during the exam period.
Following this, the student’s mother reportedly stormed the school premises a few days later, confronting the school management in a bid to reclaim the confiscated phone, escalating tensions further.
The report states:
“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 has confirmed that strict measures are being put in place to guarantee the security and safety of the school environment for the remainder of the examination period, aiming to prevent any further violent disruptions.
Efforts to obtain an official comment from the school principal were unsuccessful at the time this report was filed, but authorities have assured the public that justice will be served and that those responsible will be held accountable.[/p>
This disturbing episode has sparked widespread concern among parents, educators, and the wider community about the safety of exam officials and the need for stronger enforcement against examination malpractice and violence within schools.[/p>