The management of Kwara State Polytechnic has suspended a lecturer who was captured in a viral video physically reprimanding students, following widespread public outrage and concerns over the incident.
The institution announced the suspension in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, Halimat Garba, who said the video had attracted significant attention from stakeholders, students, parents and members of the public.
According to the statement, the management became aware of the footage circulating on social media and immediately initiated steps to address the matter in line with the institution’s regulations and commitment to maintaining professional standards.
Garba stated that the lecturer has been placed on suspension pending the outcome of a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The management of Kwara State Polytechnic has taken note of the viral video showing a lecturer physically reprimanding students. Given the concerns raised by stakeholders and the general public, the institution has taken immediate action by suspending the lecturer while investigations are ongoing,” the statement said.
The polytechnic emphasized that it does not condone any form of misconduct that violates the rights and dignity of students. It reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all members of staff conduct themselves in accordance with established ethical and professional standards.
The institution also assured students, parents and the public that the matter would be handled transparently and fairly, with appropriate disciplinary measures to be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
The video, which has been widely shared across social media platforms, reportedly shows the lecturer physically confronting and reprimanding students, sparking debate over acceptable disciplinary measures within tertiary institutions.
Many social media users condemned the lecturer’s actions, arguing that physical punishment has no place in higher education, while others called for a comprehensive investigation to establish the full context of the incident before conclusions are drawn.
Kwara State Polytechnic said it remains committed to providing a safe and conducive learning environment for students and maintaining mutual respect between staff and learners.
The management urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigative process to run its course, assuring that the institution would uphold fairness, accountability and due process in resolving the matter.
The suspension comes amid growing scrutiny of staff conduct in educational institutions across the country, with stakeholders increasingly calling for stronger measures to protect students’ rights and promote professionalism within the academic environment.
