Christ-Mitots International School in Isawo, Ikorodu, Lagos, has suspended a teacher, Stella Nwadigo, after a video of her physically abusing a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael, went viral.
The video, shared on social media by a user tweeting as #dammiedammie35, showed Nwadigo slapping the child. The footage sparked outrage and led to her arrest by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency.
The agency, in a statement on Wednesday, confirmed the arrest and said, “We appreciate everyone who brought the disturbing incident of a teacher who was recorded physically abusing a three-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.”
On Thursday, the school’s management described the incident as deeply troubling and contrary to its values. In a statement, the school expressed regret over the teacher’s actions and announced her indefinite suspension.
“We are aware of a deeply troubling incident involving one of our teachers and a student, which has been circulating on social media. 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. We are horrified by this incident and wish to make unequivocally clear that such actions will not be tolerated,” the school said.
The school apologized to Abayomi 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 our support, and ensure that their needs are fully addressed during this time.”
The school further pledged to address the situation responsibly by ensuring such behavior is never repeated. It also announced plans to organize training sessions for teachers to promote positive disciplinary methods and introduce a confidential system for reporting inappropriate behavior.
The management called for patience and understanding from the public as it works to resolve the issue comprehensively.
