There is limited publicly available data on exact numbers of child fatalities in Nigeria directly attributable to corporal punishment in schools. However, available reports highlight that corporal punishment remains widely practiced and has led to serious physical and psychological harm, including severe injuries and, in some instances, fatalities as witnessed in Ogun State. In 2022, Nigeria adopted an action plan and roadmap for ending corporal punishment in schools, in line with the Child’s Rights Act passed into law in 2003, after a harrowing UNICEF report disclosed that 85% of Nigerian children between the ages of one and 14 experience violent discipline in schools, with nearly one in three experiencing severe physical punishment. Nothing has been heard of the action plan ever since.
Nigeria has laws in place aimed at protecting children from abuse, yet these laws are inconsistently enforced. The Child Rights Act of 2003, which is meant to protect children from “all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse,” has not been adopted in all Nigerian states. Despite its passage over two decades ago, this law still lacks the necessary enforcement mechanisms to hold educators and administrators accountable. Moreover, even in states that have adopted the Child Rights Act, corporal punishment is often overlooked or excused within school settings. The lack of enforcement and ambiguous language around acceptable disciplinary measures create loopholes, enabling abusive practices to persist. This failure is not just a reflection of a bureaucratic shortfall but an ethical one.
By failing to ensure the effective enforcement of child protection laws, Nigerian leaders send a message that children’s rights in schools are optional rather than fundamental. Moreover, Nigeria has signed and ratified several international treaties and conventions focused on the rights and welfare of children, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) (1989), which it ratified in 1991. Nigeria is also signatory to the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) (1990), developed by the African Union, which it ratified in 2001. These international agreements form part of the legal framework that guides child protection, rights, and welfare in the country, but with no effective implementation and enforcement mechanisms, they remain at best a luxurious desire.
Teachers are entrusted with the wellbeing and development of the students they serve. This trust is a profound responsibility that extends far beyond academic instruction. A teacher’s role is to nurture, guide, and support not to instill fear through violence. To achieve this, however, teachers need to be adequately trained on alternative disciplinary methods and supported in their efforts to implement them. In too many cases, teachers resort to corporal punishment simply because they lack knowledge of non-violent strategies for managing classroom behavior. Policymakers must enact and enforce laws that explicitly ban corporal punishment and provide clear guidelines for acceptable disciplinary practices. It is also essential to involve parents and the community in this effort, ensuring that everyone understands the importance of protecting our children from harm. The government and education boards must invest in programs that equip teachers with the skills and resources needed to create a positive classroom environment without resorting to violence. This includes training on conflict resolution, psychological support, and behavioral management techniques that respect students’ dignity and contribute to a supportive educational atmosphere. When teachers are provided with proper guidance, they are better equipped to handle classroom challenges without harming those in their care.
The tragic loss of Monday Arijo’s life must not go unpunished. There must be a comprehensive investigation into this incident, and any individuals found responsible should face legal consequences. But accountability should not end with this single case. The prevalence of corporal punishment in Nigerian schools, impacting around 85% of children, reflects deep-rooted beliefs and socio-cultural practices, with nearly one in three children reportedly subjected to severe punishment methods. These punishments are not only harmful physically but also hinder cognitive and emotional development, posing long-term risks for mental health issues, antisocial behavior, and future aggression. The educational system must institute measures that prevent corporal punishment in all its forms, regardless of severity. Schools should adopt clear, enforceable policies against corporal punishment, with consistent oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance. Beyond school walls, government must also commit to transparency and accountability. A formal review of discipline policies and the widespread adoption of child protection frameworks in all states are essential. By enacting and enforcing strict regulations, Nigeria can set a standard for child protection in schools, ensuring that teachers who abuse their authority are swiftly and appropriately dealt with.
Corporal punishment has no place in a modern education system. In countries around the world, schools have banned corporal punishment and embraced alternative discipline methods that are more effective and humane. Progressive discipline practices that promote positive behavior and respect like positive reinforcement, restorative justice, social-emotional learning programs and counseling have proven successful in improving student behavior and create a more conducive learning environment without compromising their wellbeing or dignity. These methods encourage students to understand the consequences of their actions, develop empathy, and build better relationships with their peers and teachers. Nigeria must look to these models as examples to follow, ensuring that every child has access to a safe, respectful, learning environment.
The death of Monday Arijo is a tragedy that should never have happened. It is a stark reminder of the urgent need to end corporal punishment in our schools. We must come together as a society to demand change and ensure that no child ever has to suffer such a fate again. The time has come for Nigeria to adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward corporal punishment in schools, to protect students from harm, and to create an education system that truly values and respects the rights of its youngest citizens. Let us honor the memory of Monday Arijo by taking decisive action to protect the rights and well-being of all students. The government, education boards, and society at large must unite to eradicate corporal punishment, replacing it with a culture of empathy, respect, and genuine care for every child in Nigeria.
