Mother hires thugs to attack principal for blocking son’s WAEC cheating

DDM News

A disturbing case of violence against an educator has shocked residents of Akure, the Ondo State capital, following the brutal assault of a Vice Principal who stood against WAEC examination malpractice.

The incident, which occurred at Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, involved Mr. Rotifa, a Vice Principal at the school.

According to reports confirmed by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the attack was allegedly orchestrated by individuals hired by the mother of a student caught attempting to cheat in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Mr. Rotifa had confiscated an Android phone from an SS3 student, identified as Wisdom Elisa, during an exam session.

The phone was believed to have been used for illicit examination assistance.

In retaliation, the student’s mother reportedly stormed the school premises, instigating a heated confrontation with school management.

According to a statement by the Ondo State Ministry of Education, the situation grew tense when the woman demanded the immediate return of the seized phone.

Despite the school proprietor initially ordering that the phone be returned, the situation quickly escalated.

Later that day, Wisdom’s brother, a former student of the school, allegedly returned to harass and threaten Mr. Rotifa.

Fearing the threats could lead to violence, the school directed the Vice Principal to report the matter to the police.

Mr. Rotifa complied and visited the station, from where he was escorted by two officers in a police van to investigate the matter further.

While they failed to locate the suspects, the return trip turned violent.

According to eyewitnesses and official reports, the suspected thugs ambushed the police vehicle on the way back to the station.

They forcefully dragged Mr. Rotifa out of the van and beat him mercilessly in public view.

The attackers fled the scene before reinforcements could arrive.

Mr. Rotifa was immediately rushed to a hospital where he received emergency medical attention.

He has since been discharged but has avoided returning home due to fear for his safety.

The Ondo State Ministry of Education has strongly condemned the attack, calling it a shameful and dangerous escalation of examination malpractice culture.

Officials have promised to enhance security in schools throughout the remainder of the WASSCE period.

The Director of Schools under the ministry described the assault as a direct attack on discipline and education values.

He also affirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice.

The principal of the affected school revealed that the atmosphere in the school remains tense.

Many teachers and students are still in shock over the boldness and violence of the attack.

He noted that this was not just an assault on an individual, but a blatant attempt to intimidate educators into allowing cheating.

Public reaction has been one of outrage and disbelief.

Education stakeholders, civil society groups, and community leaders have demanded immediate action from security agencies.

They argue that unless strong measures are taken, such incidents could discourage teachers from upholding standards.

A teacher, speaking anonymously, said this was not the first time school staff had faced threats over exam regulations.

She described how, in many schools, parents enable their children’s misconduct and become aggressive when held accountable.

She called on the government to prosecute not just the attackers, but also the parents who instigate such actions.

Human rights advocates say the incident reflects a deepening crisis in the Nigerian education system.

They point to the normalization of cheating and the growing culture of impunity in examination settings.

The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Ondo State chapter, is expected to make a formal statement in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Mr. Rotifa remains in hiding, worried that his attackers may attempt to strike again.

He has reportedly received threats even after the incident, according to school officials.

Many in the education sector are calling for increased police presence around schools and stronger legal protections for teachers.

They also urge the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to support teachers enforcing rules during WASSCE.

As investigations continue, the question remains: how safe are Nigerian educators who insist on doing the right thing?

DDM will continue to follow this developing story, bringing updates on the recovery of Mr. Rotifa and the pursuit of justice.

In a nation where integrity is increasingly under siege, this incident serves as a call to defend the last guardians of truth in classrooms.

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