By Ayodele Popoola
The authorities of Aquinas College, Akure, Ondo State, have suspended indefinitely, two male students for allegedly molesting a female teacher (name withheld) during school hours.
The suspension followed allegations that the teacher was attacked by a group of male students recently, as she attempted to enter her classroom.
According to a letter made available to Weekend Hope by a source who requested anonymity, about 30 students allegedly molested.
The source described the incident as “a coordinated, brutal and criminal violation,” alleging that the teacher was “aggressively groped on her breasts and buttocks,” an experience that left her traumatised and left the school community in shock.
It was further alleged that the school administration had not taken the severe disciplinary action this incident demanded, while the perpetrators had not been expelled, as required.
The source warned that the school’s inaction sends “a dangerous message that such heinous behaviour can occur again with impunity.”
The letter also raised broader concerns about the safety of teaching staff in Nigerian schools, particularly female educators. It highlighted “the moral and ethical crisis among a segment of the student body at Aquinas College, Akure.”
However, in response to the allegations, the school’s Principal, Tai-Adebowale Adelusi, denied that any such incident occurred.
He explained that the only related situation involved a teacher who attempted to discipline some students, during which the hand of one of the students “allegedly touched the teacher unintentionally”.
Adelusi said that following the incident, seven students were brought before the school authorities, and two were found guilty of misconduct.
He added that the two main offenders were immediately sent home and subsequently suspended indefinitely.
“The teacher wanted to cane the student who came from another class, after she had sent them out of the class and in the process, two of the students’ hands touched her unintentionally.
“When the case was reported, the school summoned their fathers, and they came.
“The following day, the school’s disciplinary committee recommended the indefinite suspension of the two students, and they were also punished publicly on the assembly ground,” he said