Punishment To Death: Why Nigerian Schools Must End Lethal Discipline Practices, by Isaac Asabor

Recently, Nigeria has been jolted by the tragic news of a young pupil in Ogun State, who reportedly lost his life after a teacher subjected him to a physically strenuous punishment of 162 frog jumps. This heartbreaking incident is not an isolated case but part of a growing trend of excessive and often brutal discipline in schools, which has, in some instances, led to severe injuries and even death. The Ogun incident calls for a nationwide reassessment of disciplinary practices in Nigerian schools, highlighting an urgent need for strict guidelines to ensure that punishments are humane, appropriate, and safe.

Physical punishment has long been a part of Nigerian school culture, perceived by many as a necessary measure to instill discipline. Yet, cases like this recent tragedy in Ogun state demonstrate the grave risks involved in relying on harsh physical punishments. What was once intended as a means of correction has now transformed into a perilous practice with potentially fatal consequences. Schools should be safe spaces for learning and growth, not places where students are subjected to physical harm.

The problem goes beyond just one school or one teacher. Across Nigeria, students have reported being subjected to various forms of physical punishment that range from flogging to making students carry out physically intense exercises for minor infractions. These punishments, when misapplied or overextended, can lead to extreme fatigue, injuries, and in rare but tragic cases, death. The long-standing mentality that “children need to feel pain to learn” is not only outdated but also dangerous and fails to consider the complex physiological and psychological impacts on children and young adults.

The immediate physical impact of intense physical punishment is often overlooked by those who implement it. Subjecting a child to physically demanding exercises like 162 frog jumps is not just physically taxing but can also lead to conditions such as dehydration, muscle strain, cardiovascular strain, and even organ failure in extreme cases. Children’s bodies are not developed to handle such intense exercises, especially in quick succession, which places undue stress on their cardiovascular and muscular systems.

Psychologically, the toll is equally damaging. Excessive physical punishment leads to increased levels of stress, fear, and anxiety in students. Rather than fostering respect for authority, it breeds resentment, lowers self-esteem, and cultivates an atmosphere of dread, which is counterproductive to the educational experience. Instead of learning, students become focused on avoiding punishment, which undermines the very purpose of discipline, to guide, instruct, and help them understand the consequences of their actions.

There is a growing consensus among educators, child psychologists, and advocates worldwide that discipline in schools should not come at the cost of a child’s physical or mental health. Yet, the lack of regulation and oversight in many Nigerian schools allows some teachers to employ extreme forms of punishment unchecked. Disciplinary actions must be re-evaluated and standardized across educational institutions to ensure that all children are protected from harm.

In many developed countries, strict guidelines regulate the kinds of disciplinary actions that are permissible in schools. Physical punishment is either banned or severely restricted, and alternative disciplinary methods are used to correct student behavior. Nigeria must adopt similar measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its students.

The Ministry of Education, along with educational oversight bodies in each state, must take immediate steps to set clear boundaries on permissible forms of discipline in Nigerian schools. These standards should prohibit any form of punishment that may pose a risk to students’ physical or mental well-being. Teachers should also receive training on alternative methods of discipline that do not involve physical punishment. Techniques such as positive reinforcement, counseling, and conflict resolution are effective and foster a healthy learning environment.

Parents, too, have a role to play in this discourse. They should be vigilant about the disciplinary practices used in their children’s schools and, where necessary, report cases of excessive punishment to authorities. Parents should advocate for safe and humane treatment of students, holding schools accountable to ensure that they prioritize the welfare of every child.

It is time to adopt a model of discipline that prioritizes the well-being of students, ensuring that they learn from their mistakes without being subject to physical harm. Teachers must be reminded of their responsibility as custodians of knowledge, mentors, and role models. Instead of relying on fear-based discipline, a compassionate approach to correction can help foster mutual respect between students and teachers, creating a safe environment where students feel comfortable to learn and grow.

This change will not only benefit students but also enhance the teaching profession’s image. Teachers who rely on extreme physical punishment undermine their own authority, as it suggests they lack alternative methods for maintaining order. Conversely, teachers who use compassionate, effective discipline foster a more positive learning environment and gain the respect of their students in a way that lasts beyond the classroom.

To address the issue holistically, it is essential for the Nigerian government to establish strict policies that explicitly ban excessive physical punishment. School administrations should be held accountable for enforcing these guidelines, ensuring that every teacher and staff member understands the importance of humane discipline practices. Violations should be met with appropriate disciplinary action to send a clear message that there will be zero tolerance for endangering students’ lives.

Moreover, the Nigerian government should consider setting up independent bodies to investigate incidents of school-based abuse and excessive discipline. A dedicated helpline or complaint system where students and parents can report cases of excessive punishment would also be instrumental in curbing these practices. Schools found to be using harmful disciplinary practices should be subject to review and, if necessary, sanctions to prevent further harm to students.

Every child has the right to an education in a safe environment, free from harm and fear. The case of the young student in Ogun state is a tragic reminder that, without reform, physical punishment in schools will continue to endanger the lives of Nigerian children. Teachers must be equipped with training in effective, non-violent disciplinary techniques that allow students to learn from their mistakes without experiencing physical or psychological trauma. Schools must become havens for learning, growth, and positive development, not places where students face the threat of harm.

Nigeria’s future depends on the young minds being nurtured today, and it is imperative that they are provided with a safe, supportive, and caring educational environment. Ending the cycle of excessive physical punishment is not just about preventing another tragic loss, it is about investing in a healthier, more compassionate, and ultimately more effective educational system for all Nigerian students.