Ekiti State Bans Corporal Punishment in Schools
The Ekiti State Government has taken a bold step to protect the rights and dignity of students in public schools by banning corporal punishment. This means that teachers can no longer use physical force or inflict pain on students for any reason.
The ban was announced in a letter sent to all principals and head teachers of public primary and secondary schools in the state on July 21, 2023. The letter was signed by Patrick Oni, who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in the state.
The letter stated that corporal punishment has negative effects on the learning and well-being of students, and that alternative forms of discipline should be used instead. The letter also warned that any teacher who violates the ban would face serious consequences, including dismissal from service.
The letter read: “I am directed to inform you that the Ekiti State Ministry Of Education, Science and Technology has banned the use of corporal punishment across all public Primary and Secondary Schools in the state.
“Consequently, all Principals and Head Teachers of public Primary and Secondary Schools are to ensure that punishment administered on erring students/pupils for any infraction must be such that add value both to the person of the child and that of the school.
“The punishment must also be commensurate with the offence committed, taking into consideration the age, physical and mental status, as well as the health condition of the erring student/pupil.
You are enjoined to ensure strict compliance with the directive. Please.”
Corporal punishment is the use of physical force to discipline a child. It can include spanking, hitting, slapping, or any other form of physical pain. Corporal punishment has been shown to be ineffective in deterring misbehavior, and it can actually have negative consequences for children.
For example, corporal punishment can lead to increased aggression, anxiety, and depression. It can also damage the parent-child relationship and make it more difficult for children to trust adults.
The ban on corporal punishment is a positive step for the Ekiti State. It is important for parents and teachers to work together to implement this ban effectively and to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all children.
The ban on corporal punishment in Ekiti State is in line with the global trend of promoting positive discipline and respecting children’s rights. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 60% of children aged 2–14 years regularly suffer physical punishment by their parents or other caregivers. In some countries, almost all students report being physically punished by school staff
The WHO also states that corporal punishment is ineffective in the long term, interferes with learning, leads to antisocial behavior as well as causing low self-esteem and other forms of mental distress, and is a form of violence that breaches the rights of children
As of 2016, an estimated 128 countries had prohibited corporal punishment in schools, including nearly all of Europe, and most of South America and East Asia. Approximately 69 countries still allow for corporal punishment in schools, including parts of the United States and many countries in Africa and Asia.
Ekiti State has joined the ranks of progressive states that have abolished this outdated and harmful practice, and has set an example for other states in Nigeria to follow. The ban on corporal punishment is expected to create a safer and more conducive learning environment for students and teachers alike.
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