The Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta is conducting a post-mortem examination on the remains of Monday Ariyo, following instructions from the Ogun State Government to ascertain the cause of his death.
Ariyo tragically passed away last Friday after reportedly facing corporal punishment from a teacher at Obada Grammar School in Idi-Emi, located within the Imeko/Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, led a government delegation to express condolences to Ariyo’s family at their home in Obada Idi-Emi.
During the visit, he emphasized the state government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of students in schools, warning teachers against the use of corporal punishment.
“This incident has prompted the state government to establish a committee tasked with investigating the underlying causes and circumstances surrounding this tragedy,” Arigbabu stated. “When anything occurs, it’s crucial for us to learn from the situation—not just in Obada Grammar School, but throughout our educational system.”
He reiterated the importance of adhering to established guidelines, noting, “I have mentioned this repeatedly during our stakeholders’ meetings held before each school session, where I stress the necessity of rejecting corporal punishment.”
Arigbabu further asserted that the issue transcends local concerns, declaring, “This is not merely about Ogun State; it reflects a global standard. Regulations exist to prohibit corporal punishment. However, this should not imply that children cannot be guided towards good behavior. We have the capacity to discipline children and help them realize their potential in life without resorting to physical punishment.”
Reassuring parents, he added that the state government would actively monitor schools and impose penalties on teachers found guilty of administering corporal punishment to students.
Arigbabu urged educators to adhere strictly to the guidelines designed to protect the rights and dignity of their students.
