Mr Rotifa, Vice Principal of Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, Ondo State, was viciously attacked after stopping a student from cheating during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The assault was reportedly orchestrated by the student’s mother, who allegedly hired thugs to brutalise the teacher for seizing her son’s Android phone and refusing to allow him use it during the exam.
According to sources, trouble began on Monday, May 26, when Mr Rotifa confiscated the phone in line with school regulations prohibiting the use of electronic devices during examinations. The student’s mother later stormed the school in anger, demanding the return of the phone and threatening to deal with the school management if her son was stopped from using it in subsequent exams.
Despite the threats, Mr Rotifa stood his ground, vowing to maintain discipline during the exams. On Thursday, the woman’s son and his brother—an alumnus of the school—allegedly returned to confront the Vice Principal.
Following reports of harassment, Mr Rotifa lodged a complaint at the police station. Two officers accompanied him in a patrol vehicle to locate the suspects, but they were unsuccessful. However, while returning to the station, the suspects reportedly ambushed the police van, dragged Mr Rotifa out, and beat him mercilessly.
He was rushed to the hospital for treatment and discharged the following day. Fearing for his safety, Mr Rotifa has not returned home.
In response, the Ondo State Ministry of Education, through the Director of Schools, issued a statement condemning the attack and promising justice.
“The incident began when an SS3 student was caught with an Android phone against school rules and the Vice Principal confiscated it. Days later, the student’s mother visited the school and created a scene. The student’s brother later threatened Mr Rotifa.
“After school hours, the suspects were seen loitering near the school. Mr Rotifa was advised to report the matter to the police. While returning from the search, the boys ambushed the police van and assaulted him,” the statement read.
The Ministry confirmed that investigations are ongoing and security measures are being put in place to protect staff and students for the remainder of the WASSCE.
