Two teachers at Ibru College, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, have been suspended and hit with unusual disciplinary measures after engaging in a physical altercation on school premises.
The educators, identified as Mr. Agofure R. and Mr. Etuh G., have been ordered to clean the staff toilets for one month as part of their punishment. Additionally, the Delta State government has suspended them indefinitely and recommended their transfer to other public schools to maintain discipline within the institution.
Beyond these immediate sanctions, both teachers have been directed to report to the Ughelli Zonal Office of the Delta State Post-Primary Education Board for further interrogation. Pending a final decision from the board, they are officially barred from their duties.
The school’s disciplinary committee strongly condemned the fight, labeling it a serious breach of professional ethics. Parents and fellow educators have also expressed outrage over the incident, with many questioning how such misconduct could occur among supposed role models.
In a further penalty, Mr. Etuh G. has been given a month to vacate his official quarters within the school compound.
Confirming the disciplinary action, the school’s Principal, Mr. Akporube L.O., stressed that Ibru College has a zero-tolerance policy for staff misconduct. He reiterated that discipline and professionalism are core values that must be upheld to preserve the integrity of the teaching profession.
Reacting to the incident, Dr. Precious Omoruwou, a Senior Lecturer at Southern Delta University, criticized the teachers’ actions, blaming weak recruitment processes for allowing unfit individuals into the education system. She emphasized the need for continuous training and retraining of teachers, stating that educators should serve as role models, not engage in behavior that undermines the values they are meant to instill in students.
The shocking incident has sparked a heated debate on teacher professionalism and school discipline in Nigeria, with many calling for stricter measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
