Nigerians have expressed widespread outrage following the emergence of a viral video showing Stella Nwadigo, a teacher at Christ-Mitots International School in Isawo, Ikorodu, Lagos State, physically assaulting a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael. The child was reportedly punished for not writing as instructed during a lesson.
The video, which surfaced on Wednesday, captures Nwadigo repeatedly slapping young Abayomi as she instructed him on how to write the number six.
The footage sparked immediate public condemnation, with citizens and advocacy groups demanding swift action against the teacher and a thorough investigation into the school’s practices.
The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LSDSVA) confirmed the arrest of Nwadigo. Executive Secretary Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi stated that the teacher is currently in police custody and under investigation.
Vivour-Adeniyi explained that they hope the teacher will be charged in court after the outcome of the investigation.
In an official statement, the agency assured the public of its commitment to child safety, emphasizing that institutions of learning should be safe, warm, and protective environments for all children.
The state government remains steadfast in ensuring the well-being of every child by enforcing strict regulations and holding offenders accountable.
Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network confirmed that the victim, Abayomi Michael, had been hospitalized due to the assault. Chief Operating Officer Ebenezer Omejalile revealed that the boy is undergoing medical evaluation and psychological support.
He described the incident as the highest form of child cruelty, noting that the repeated slaps may have damaged the child’s eardrum, potentially leading to permanent hearing loss. Omejalile demanded that the teacher face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.
He also urged the Lagos State Ministry of Education to investigate further, ensuring no other pupils have suffered similar abuse.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from Nigerians across social media. Prominent social commentator, VeryDarkMan, issued a stern warning to the school’s management, threatening to mobilize a protest if adequate action is not taken.
He called on the school owners to explain the incident within 24 hours, stating his readiness to lead a crowd to the institution if necessary. He expressed his outrage, emphasizing that such abuse must not be swept under the rug.
The Lagos State Ministry of Education, represented by spokesperson Kayode Sutton, confirmed that the matter has been escalated to relevant authorities. Sutton noted that the incident has been forwarded to the appropriate quarters for a thorough investigation.
The LSDSVA encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward, providing toll-free hotlines and social media channels for reporting. The agency emphasized the need for collective action to ensure that abuse in any form is eradicated from educational institutions.
As investigations continue, the case has ignited a national conversation about the safety and accountability of schools, particularly concerning the treatment of young children.
Many Nigerians are calling for stricter oversight of educational institutions to prevent such incidents from recurring.