Nigerians have expressed outrage after a video surfaced showing Stella Nwadigo, a teacher at Christ-Mitots International School in Isawo, Ikorodu, Lagos State, physically assaulting a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael, during a writing lesson. The incident, which has sparked widespread condemnation, has led to the teacher’s arrest and calls for a thorough investigation into the school’s practices.
Incident Caught on Camera
A brief video of the incident, which went viral on Wednesday, captured Nwadigo slapping Abayomi repeatedly as she attempted to teach him how to write the number six. The footage provoked an uproar across social media, with many Nigerians demanding immediate action against the teacher and accountability from the school administration.
Among the critics was popular social commentator VeryDarkMan, who threatened to mobilize a protest at the school if the teacher was not prosecuted. In a strongly worded statement, he said, “To the owners of Christ-Mitots, you have just 24 hours to explain why the teacher treated that child in such a way. Look at how she slapped that child. Imagine if he had fallen, and they would likely invent a story about him falling while playing.”
Arrest and Hospitalization
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LSDSVA) confirmed that Nwadigo had been arrested and was in police custody. The agency’s Executive Secretary, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, stated that investigations into the matter had commenced and expressed hope that the teacher would be charged in court once findings were concluded.
Meanwhile, the child, Abayomi Michael, was hospitalized following the assault. Ebenezer Omejalile, Chief Operating Officer of Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network, described the attack as a “cruel act” with potentially severe consequences. He warned that the repeated slaps to Abayomi’s right ear could result in hearing damage, emphasizing the need for medical and psychological care to restore the child’s well-being.
Calls for Accountability
Omejalile stressed the importance of thorough investigations and intervention. “The perpetrator has not only physically assaulted the child but dehumanized him. This cruelty must attract serious consequences,” he said. He also called on the Lagos State Ministry of Education to investigate the school’s environment to determine if other pupils had suffered similar abuse.
The LSDSVA, through a statement on its official social media platforms, urged the public to provide any additional information about the incident. The agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring children’s safety in educational institutions and emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.
Government Response
The Lagos State Ministry of Education confirmed that the case had been escalated to the relevant departments for further investigation. Spokesperson Kayode Sutton assured the public that the matter had been forwarded to the appropriate authorities for swift action.
“The Quality Assurance Department will need to conduct a thorough review of the school’s operations,” said Omejalile, adding that individual interactions with pupils could uncover the extent of Nwadigo’s actions.
Advocacy for Child Protection
The incident has reignited conversations around child protection in schools, with calls for stricter enforcement of regulations to safeguard pupils. The Lagos State government, through the LSDSVA, reaffirmed its dedication to holding offenders accountable and promoting safe learning environments.
“Institutions of learning should be safe, warm, and protective environments for all children in their care,” the LSDSVA stated, encouraging parents and guardians to report any cases of abuse.
A Demand for Justice
As Nigerians await the outcome of the investigation, the consensus is clear: acts of abuse against children must be met with swift and decisive justice. This case serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in ensuring the safety and well-being of children in schools and beyond.
