The Ogun State Government has suspended a teacher from Obada Grammar School, Amzadjo Elijah, following the tragic death of a student, Monday Arijo, allegedly linked to a harsh punishment. Arijo reportedly died from complications after being forced to perform 162 frog jumps and endure 24 strokes of the cane—a punishment said to have been ordered by the school’s principal, Mrs. Tamrat Onaolapo.
According to reports, the ordeal began after Arijo criticized the school for allegedly using students’ funds to purchase a dustbin. His collapse during the punishment led to his hospitalization for ten days, but he tragically succumbed to complications on Friday, plunging the community into grief and sparking public outrage.
In a statement shared on the Ogun State Government’s official X page, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology announced Elijah's immediate suspension. The statement also confirmed that the principal had been issued a query for authorizing the brutal punishment, which violated state regulations prohibiting corporal punishment in schools.
“The principal, Mrs. Tamrat Onaolapo, has 24 hours to explain why she authorized such severe punishment and why disciplinary actions should not be taken against her for disregarding state directives,” the statement read. Meanwhile, the suspended teacher has been taken into police custody as investigations into the incident continue.
In a bid to contain the backlash, the state government has reached out to the grieving family, describing the late student as an “exceptional learner” whose death is a loss to the entire state. A condolence letter signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry expressed deep sympathy, promising swift justice for the family.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family on the sudden and heartbreaking loss of their son. Monday Arijo was an outstanding student, and his absence will be felt by his peers, teachers, and the community at large. We pray that his family finds the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss, and may his soul rest in peace,” the letter stated.
