ONDO GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATES ASSAULT ON VICE PRINCIPAL OVER EXAM MALPRACTICE REPORT

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Ondo State Ministry of Education has launched an investigation into a violent assault on Mr. Rotifa, the Vice Principal of Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, allegedly perpetrated by the parents and associates of a student caught cheating during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

According to reports, Mr. Rotifa confiscated an Android phone from an SS3 student suspected of using it to cheat during the examination. Following the incident, the student informed his family, which allegedly led to a retaliatory attack.

A school source disclosed that after police officers were summoned for protection, hired thugs overwhelmed the officers, dragged Mr. Rotifa out of the police van, and brutally beat him near unconsciousness. He was later rushed to a private hospital for treatment.

The Ondo State Ministry of Education, through the Director of Schools, Mr. Dare Obajulaye, confirmed the commencement of a preliminary investigation. In a statement, the ministry detailed the timeline of events beginning May 26 when the phone was confiscated and culminating in the May 30 attack.

“Following a confrontation by the student’s mother and further threats from her son, a former student of the school, the Vice Principal reported the threats to the police,” Obajulaye stated. “However, while returning from a search for the suspects with police escort, Mr. Rotifa was intercepted and assaulted. Though now discharged from hospital, he has gone into hiding for fear of another attack.”

The Ministry assured that security measures are being strengthened to protect students and staff during the remainder of the WASSCE.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Olayinka Alayande, confirmed the attack and stated that the Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate arrest of those involved.

“Tactical teams have been deployed, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) is overseeing the case to ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” Alayande said.

He urged residents to remain calm and assured that the police are working in conjunction with other security agencies to maintain peace and order.