WASSCE Exam Drama in Ondo: Parents Allegedly Hired Thugs to Beat School Vice Principal Over Exam Malpractice Report
In what has shocked the education community and the general public in Nigeria, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested five individuals, including the mother of a student, in connection with a brutal physical assault on Mr. Alexander Rotifa, the Vice Principal of Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure.
The assault allegedly occurred after the Vice Principal reportedly caught a student cheating during the ongoing 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, the student was using an Android phone to engage in exam malpractice, a growing concern during external exams like WASSCE across Nigeria.
How It All Started: Cheating During the WASSCE 2025 in Akure
The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), organized by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), is one of the most critical examinations for secondary school students in Nigeria. The stakes are high, and unfortunately, this has led to an increase in malpractice cases involving mobile phones and external assistance.
According to multiple reports, the Vice Principal of Complete Child Development College, Mr. Alexander Rotifa, was carrying out his duty of monitoring students during the exam session when he noticed suspicious behavior from an SS3 (Senior Secondary School 3) student. Upon closer inspection, he discovered that the student was using an Android phone — allegedly to access materials or answers not permitted in the examination hall.
Following WAEC guidelines, Mr. Rotifa seized the phone immediately. This disciplinary action sparked tension that would later spiral into a violent and dangerous situation.
Parents React: From Complaint to Alleged Physical Assault
After the incident, the student reportedly went home and informed his parents — particularly his mother, Mrs. Dorcas Asije — about what had happened at school. What happened next has left many Nigerians deeply concerned about the breakdown of discipline and respect for teachers in today’s society.
According to reports published by Punch Newspaper, Mrs. Asije allegedly did not take the Vice Principal’s action lightly. Instead of pursuing formal channels like the school management or Ministry of Education to lodge a complaint, she reportedly took matters into her own hands. She is accused of hiring thugs to go to the school and physically assault Mr. Rotifa in retaliation for confiscating her son’s phone during the WASSCE examination.
Thugs Allegedly Storm the School and Overpower Police
A disturbing eyewitness account from a source close to the school painted a terrifying picture of what transpired:
“When the hired thugs arrived at the school to attack the VP, the school invited the policemen to rescue the man, but the thugs overwhelmed the policemen and dragged him out of their vehicle and pounced on him brutally.”
This shocking revelation shows how bold and violent the attackers were, raising serious concerns about the safety of teachers and school administrators in Nigerian schools.
Despite the presence of police officers at the school, the attackers were reportedly able to overpower them and carry out the assault. Mr. Rotifa was allegedly dragged out of the police vehicle and beaten "to a pulp," sustaining injuries from the attack. Details of his medical condition remain undisclosed, but it is clear that he suffered a traumatic experience.
Police React Swiftly: Five Suspects Arrested Including Student’s Mother
The Ondo State Police Command quickly moved into action. In a press statement released on Monday, June 2, 2025, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olayinka Alayande, confirmed the arrests:
“Following the assault on the Vice Principal of Complete Child Development Centre Akure, the Ondo State Police Command arrested Mrs. Dorcas Asije and four other accomplices."
He further explained that the operation was carried out under the direct orders of the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi:
“Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) led a tactical team to ensure their swift arrest. The case has been transferred to SCID and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation."
The SCID (State Criminal Investigation Department) has taken over the case, and authorities have promised that justice will be served. The police also issued a warning to the public, especially to parents and guardians:
“The public is advised to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activity to the nearest police station.”
Ondo State Ministry of Education Launches Investigation
In addition to the police investigation, the Ondo State Ministry of Education has launched its own inquiry into the incident. Officials from the ministry are expected to visit the school, interview staff and students, and ensure that the incident does not repeat itself in any other institution in the state.
This dual investigation — from both the police and the education authorities — signals the seriousness of the matter and a strong stand against violence in schools.
Public Outrage and Call for Justice
The incident has sparked outrage on social media and among education stakeholders. Many Nigerians are calling for swift and strict punishment against anyone found guilty, particularly to send a strong message against the rising culture of impunity in schools.
Teachers’ unions and civil society organizations have also weighed in. One teacher in Akure, who asked to remain anonymous, stated:
"If we are no longer safe in our own schools while trying to uphold examination integrity, then education is doomed in this country."
School Safety and Examination Ethics in Nigeria: Time for Serious Action
The attack on Mr. Rotifa is not just a one-off incident; it reflects broader issues in Nigeria’s educational system. These include:
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Rampant exam malpractice
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Erosion of respect for teachers
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Parental interference in school discipline
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Failure of security in educational institutions
WAEC and other examination bodies have repeatedly emphasized the importance of curbing cheating in exams. However, as long as students and parents feel emboldened to use violence to escape accountability, teachers and school officials will continue to face threats.
Conclusion: Justice Must Be Served
The Vice Principal of Complete Child Development College, Akure, was simply doing his job by enforcing examination rules. The alleged decision by a parent to respond with violence is a dangerous precedent that must be condemned by all.
Thanks to the quick intervention by the Ondo State Police Command, five individuals have been arrested, including the student’s mother. The police and the state’s Ministry of Education are now working to ensure justice is served and to protect the rights of school officials across the state.
As the case proceeds to court, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the justice system handles this serious offense. If found guilty, the suspects must face the full weight of the law — not just for Mr. Rotifa’s sake, but to protect the integrity of education in Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole.
