Ogun state government shuts obada grammar school, suspends principal over pupil’s death

The Ogun State Government has shut down Obada Grammar School, Obada, Idi-Emi and equally suspended the Principal over the death of Master Monday Arijo, a Senior Secondary School (SS2) student of the school.

Penpushing reports that the suspension of the Principal Mrs. Tamrat Onaolapo, 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 statement from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology recalled that the Principal was earlier issued a query for allowing corporal punishment to be used on the pupil against the established rules and regulations in the state, has also been suspended.

Penpushing further reports that the closure of the school was based on the directive of 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 added that the Governor has promised that those liable by the outcome of the investigation will be made to face the full wrath of the law, while representatives of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology have also visited the family of the late student.

Penpushing also reports that the statement said 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 team comprised of the Director, 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 the Ogun State Chairman of Association of Secondary Schools Union (ASSUS).

Penpushing reports that the Principals General, Egba and Yewa Divisions as well as the Director of Education, Secondary and Higher Education, who spoke during the visit, expressed their heartfelt condolences even as they 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, and 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.

Penpushing further reports that the Divisional Police Officer, Idi Emi, assured the family that the situation around the ugly incident would be unravelled to the core, and justice would be served assuring them of the safety of their wards in the school.

Meanwhile, the officials were received by the family who expressed their grief and shock at the sudden loss of their child, while 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 deceased family.

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