Suspected thugs allegedly hired by a parent of a student at Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, Ondo State, have assaulted the school’s Vice Principal, Mr. Rotifa, for preventing exam malpractice during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
According to a preliminary report by the Ondo State Ministry of Education, the incident stemmed from Mr. Rotifa’s efforts to uphold exam integrity when he caught an SS3 student with an Android phone during the examination — a violation of school rules. The phone was confiscated.
The report, issued by the Director of Schools in the ministry, stated:
“The incident began on May 26 when Mr. Rotifa seized an Android phone from an SS3 student found using it during the examination. The student’s mother later stormed the school, confronting management aggressively. The situation escalated to the point that the school proprietor instructed the phone be returned, which was done.”
The report continued:
“The student’s brother, a former student of the school, later visited and threatened the Vice Principal. After school hours, a group of young men — reportedly waiting nearby — ambushed the police van escorting Mr. Rotifa, dragged him out, and beat him severely.”
Mr. Rotifa was taken to a hospital for treatment. Although discharged, he has reportedly avoided returning home out of fear of further attacks.
School authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to ensure the safety of both staff and students for the remaining WAEC examinations. The police are continuing investigations and working to apprehend the attackers.
School Management Silent
Attempts to reach the school’s principal for comments were unsuccessful as of press time.