Ondo School Drama: Vice Principal Beaten by Suspected Thugs Over WAEC Exam Incident
In a disturbing development that has shocked many in Ondo State and across Nigeria, the Vice Principal of Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, Mr. Rotifa, was brutally assaulted by individuals believed to be hired thugs. The incident reportedly stemmed from a disciplinary action he took against a student during the ongoing West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams.
The attack has raised serious concerns about the safety of educators in Nigeria’s schools, the increasing boldness of examination malpractice enablers, and the extent to which some parents may go to shield their children from the consequences of wrongdoing.
What Led to the Attack?
According to a preliminary investigation conducted by the Ondo State Ministry of Education, Mr. Rotifa had intercepted a student who was allegedly trying to cheat during the senior secondary certificate exams. The student, who is in SS3, was reportedly caught with an Android phone—an item strictly prohibited in exam halls due to its potential to aid cheating.
The Director of Schools from the Ministry of Education provided a detailed account of the unfortunate series of events that followed this incident.
“The incident started on May 26, when an android phone was found with one SS3 student, which is contrary to the rules and regulations of the school and Mr. Rotifa, the Vice Principal of the school, seized the phone from him,” the report stated.
For many schools across Nigeria, especially during critical exams like the WAEC, strict monitoring is enforced to maintain integrity. Seizing unauthorized items like mobile phones is part of that protocol.
However, what should have been a routine enforcement of school policy quickly escalated into chaos.
Student’s Family Reacts Violently
On Thursday, May 30, just a few days after the phone was confiscated, the student's mother arrived at the school premises visibly angry. Instead of addressing the issue through proper school channels or the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), she reportedly resorted to aggressive behavior.
“The mother of the student came to the school to fight with the school management so much that the proprietor of the school ordered that the phone be returned to her, which was done,” the report continued.
This forced compliance, driven by intimidation, revealed the pressure school administrators often face when trying to uphold academic discipline. Unfortunately, the situation worsened further when the student’s brother—an ex-student of the same school—also got involved.
“The brother of the student, who happened to be an old student of the school, later came to the school to harass the Vice Principal and threatened to deal him,” the report added.
The Shocking Assault on the Vice Principal
Fearing that the situation could escalate, the school's proprietor advised Mr. Rotifa to report the threats to the police. He took the advice and went to the station, where two officers accompanied him in a patrol van to search for the individuals who had made the threats.
While they were unable to find the suspects initially, things took a violent turn on their way back.
“They couldn’t get them. On their way back to the station, the boys waylaid the Police van, stopped it, brought out Mr. Rotifa and beat him up. He was taken to the hospital for treatment,” the report stated.
This bold attack—stopping a police vehicle and dragging someone out in broad daylight—shows the alarming level of lawlessness that can manifest when criminal behavior goes unchecked.
The report further disclosed:
“According to the principal of the school, he has been discharged from the hospital but did not go back to his house for the fear of the boys coming back for him. Further investigations and efforts to get the culprit are in progress."
This incident has left many shaken, especially the school's staff and students, who now fear for their safety during the remaining WAEC papers.
“Arrangements for the safety of the staff and students of the school for the period of the remaining papers in WASSCE are ongoing,” the state government assured.
A Growing Trend: Violence Against Educators in Nigeria
What happened to Mr. Rotifa is not an isolated incident. Across Nigeria, there have been multiple reports of teachers and school administrators being attacked by students, parents, or hired thugs over disciplinary actions or academic issues.
In 2023, a principal in Lagos was reportedly slapped by a parent after disciplining their child. In 2022, a teacher in Imo State was hospitalized after being attacked by cultists allegedly sent by a disgruntled student. These events highlight a disturbing trend: the erosion of respect for teachers and the rule of law in educational settings.
Why This Matters for Education in Nigeria
For Nigeria to move forward educationally, especially in an era where WAEC, NECO, and JAMB are the gateways to tertiary education and future employment, upholding exam integrity must be non-negotiable.
Incidents like this discourage educators from doing their job. If teachers and school officials feel unsafe, many may turn a blind eye to exam malpractice out of fear. This has dire consequences—not just for individual schools but for the nation’s academic reputation.
Public Reaction and Call for Justice
Following the incident, several civil society groups and education advocates have condemned the attack and called for immediate justice. Social media users have also weighed in, demanding the arrest of the culprits and protection for school staff.
On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #JusticeForRotifa and #ProtectOurTeachers began to trend in Ondo State, with many Nigerians expressing anger and disappointment over the state of school discipline.
One user wrote:
“So a teacher is now a target for simply doing the right thing? This is why we keep raising children who grow up with no sense of consequence.”
What Should Happen Next?
1. Swift Arrest and Prosecution
The Ondo State Police Command must ensure that the suspects, including the student’s brother and any accomplices, are arrested and prosecuted. Only a firm legal response will send a clear message that violence against educators will not be tolerated.
2. Better School Security
There is an urgent need for schools, especially private institutions like Complete Child Development College, to strengthen their security systems. Entry protocols, CCTV cameras, and proper fencing should be prioritized to prevent future incidents.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns
Parents must understand that school authorities have the right—and responsibility—to enforce discipline. State Ministries of Education should run awareness campaigns highlighting the consequences of attacking teachers and the importance of upholding academic standards.
4. Stronger Anti-Malpractice Laws
While WAEC rules are clear about the prohibition of phones in examination halls, more must be done to criminalize attempts to cheat or support cheating through intimidation or violence. Strengthening these laws and enforcing them strictly is key.
Conclusion: Let’s Stand With Mr. Rotifa
The attack on Mr. Rotifa is a wake-up call. It is a loud alarm that our society must heed—we cannot afford to remain silent while teachers are being harassed, threatened, and beaten for simply doing their jobs.
Nigeria's educational system cannot thrive in a climate of fear and violence. The government, parents, school proprietors, and communities must unite to protect educators, defend exam integrity, and punish wrongdoing, no matter who is involved.
If we do not protect our teachers, who will protect the future?
