From Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
Ogun State government has shut down Obada Grammar School, Obada in Idi-emi, over the death of Master Monday Arijo, an SS2 student.
This followed the arrest and suspension of the teacher allegedly responsible for the death of the student on Friday last week as a result of corporal punishment.
The Principal of the school, Mrs Tamrat Onaolapo, who was earlier issued a query for allowing corporal punishment to be used on the student against the established rules and regulations in the state, has also been suspended.
The closure of the school was based on the directive of Governor Dapo Abiodun, who also directed that a panel should be set up to investigate the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident.
The governor has promised that those liable would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
Representatives of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology also visited the family of the late student to express the ministry’s sorrow over their loss, as well as collect first-hand account of the incident for thorough investigation.
The team comprised the director of Secondary and Higher Education Department in the ministry, principals-general, Egba and Yewa Divisions, zonal education officer, Imeko Afon, representatives of ANCOPPS, Ogun State president, Trade Union Congress and Ogun State chairman of ASSUS.
The team expressed heartfelt condolences, even as it pledged the support of the state government to the family during this challenging time.
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 government’s commitment to learners’ safety, creation of a more supportive school environment and justice for the bereaved family over the sudden death of their son.
The Divisional Police Officer, Idi emi assured the family that the situation around the ugly incident would be unravelled and justice would be served.
He assured them of the safety of their wards in the school.
A condolence letter to commiserate with the bereaved family over the loss, as well as a cash gift of N500,000 were handed to the representative of the family.
