Mother, 4 others arrested for assaulting vice principal over exam malpractice in Ondo

DDM News

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a woman and four others for allegedly attacking a school official over an exam malpractice dispute.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the incident occurred at Complete Child Development College in Aule, Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State.

The prime suspect, identified as Mrs. Doracas Asije, is the mother of a candidate sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

She was reportedly angered by a vice principal’s decision to confiscate her son’s mobile phone during a WASSCE examination session.

The vice principal, Mr. Rotifa, had suspected the student of attempting to use the phone to cheat in the examination.

According to the police, the matter escalated after Mrs. Asije allegedly contracted thugs to attack the school official.

The police confirmed that four other suspects were arrested alongside her for participating in the violent assault.

The incident has stirred widespread condemnation across Akure North and beyond.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the arrests in a press briefing held on Monday.

He disclosed that the swift action was ordered by the state Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi.

A tactical team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police was immediately deployed to track and arrest the suspects.

Mr. Ayanlade further revealed that the case has been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

He added that the suspects would face prosecution once investigations are concluded.

The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around schools or examination centres.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State government has reiterated its firm stance against examination malpractice and all forms of academic dishonesty.

Mr. Akindele Ige of the state Ministry of Education issued a public statement condemning the attack on the school official.

The statement, signed by Director Olaoluwa Meshack, warned that thuggery, cheating, and hooliganism among students and parents would not be tolerated.

He assured that all those found culpable would be brought to justice regardless of their status.

The ministry also emphasized the importance of upholding integrity and discipline in the educational system.

Mr. Ige said that schools must remain safe and conducive for learning, free from external threats or coercion.

He encouraged school administrators and examination officials to report all incidents of malpractice or attempted interference.

The ministry commended the quick response of the police and urged continued cooperation between communities and law enforcement.

The Commissioner for Education is expected to visit the affected school to assess the situation and offer support to staff.

Stakeholders in the education sector have also reacted strongly to the incident, calling for stiffer penalties for offenders.

Several teachers’ associations described the attack as disgraceful and a threat to the safety of education workers.

A senior teacher in Akure who spoke anonymously said educators face growing risks during public examinations.

He warned that unless concrete action is taken, more parents may resort to violence when their wards are held accountable.

Parents have also been urged to instill discipline in their children and respect institutional procedures.

Human rights advocates have criticized the increasing involvement of adults in aiding examination fraud.

They noted that the culture of impunity must end if Nigeria is to restore credibility to its education system.

Examination malpractice remains a major challenge in Nigeria, with mobile phones and impersonation among the most common tactics.

Security has been beefed up in several WAEC centres nationwide to prevent breaches and ensure smooth conduct of the exams.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has repeatedly warned candidates against any form of cheating.

The council, in a recent advisory, noted that culprits risk having their papers cancelled or being banned from future sittings.

Educational experts have urged the government to launch intensive sensitisation campaigns on the dangers of cheating.

They also called for stronger laws to criminalise exam malpractice and protect frontline educators from harassment.

As the investigation into the Akure incident continues, the public awaits the outcome of the trial.

The police have assured that justice will be served and that similar cases will be treated with urgency.

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