The management of Christ-Mitots International School, located in Isawo, Ikorodu, Lagos State, has taken decisive action by suspending a teacher, Stella Nwadigo, accused of physically assaulting a three-year-old boy, Abayomi Michael.
This development follows a video shared on X by a user identified as Oyindamola, with the handle #dammiedammie35, showing the teacher slapping the child. The footage sparked widespread outrage online.
On Wednesday, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency confirmed Nwadigo’s arrest.
In a statement, the agency acknowledged the public’s role in bringing the incident to their attention and announced that the matter is being investigated by the Owutu Family Support Unit.
The statement read, “We appreciate everyone who brought the disturbing incident of a teacher who was recorded physically abusing a 3-year-old boy to our attention. We are pleased to inform the public that the teacher in question has been arrested by Owutu FSU, and an investigation has commenced in earnest.”
The school’s management issued a statement on Thursday, describing the situation as a “troubling incident” and announcing Nwadigo’s indefinite suspension.
According to the school, the teacher’s actions are inconsistent with their core values.
“We are aware of a deeply troubling incident involving one of our teachers and a student, which has been circulating on social media,” the school’s statement began.
“The video shows a teacher engaging in the physical discipline of a student in a manner that is completely unacceptable and contrary to the values and principles of our school. As an institution deeply committed to fostering a culture of respect, care, and dignity, we are horrified by this incident and wish to make unequivocally clear that such actions will not be tolerated.
“In response, the teacher involved has been suspended indefinitely while a thorough investigation is conducted. This immediate and decisive action reflects our zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and our obligation to safeguard the safety and well-being of every child under our care,” the statement added.
The school extended an apology to the boy and his family, stating, “We extend our sincerest apologies to the student and their family. We have reached out to them personally to express our regret, offer support, and ensure that their needs are fully addressed during this time.”
Additionally, the management outlined measures to prevent future occurrences. “We are committed to ensuring that such behaviour is never repeated. As such, we will be organising mandatory training sessions for teachers to reinforce child protection protocols, emphasise positive disciplinary practices, and cultivate greater sensitivity in interactions with students.
“Additionally, we have introduced a confidential whistle-blowing system to encourage the prompt reporting of inappropriate behaviour. We ask for the public’s patience and understanding as we work to address this matter responsibly and comprehensively,” the statement stated.
