The Federal Ministry of Education has condemned the unfortunate incident at Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, Ondo State, where suspected thugs, allegedly hired by the parents of a student, assaulted the Vice Principal, Mr. Rotifa, for performing his lawful duty of upholding the integrity of the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The Ministry expressed solidarity with the management and staff of the affected school and, by extension, all education stakeholders across the nation who continue to uphold the values of discipline, accountability, and academic excellence, and who resist examination malpractice.
In a statement by Boriowo Folasade, the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, it stated:
“We are working in collaboration with state ministries of education, law enforcement agencies, and examination bodies to enhance the security and integrity of our examination processes.”
The Ministry also commended the swift response of the Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and the Ondo State Police Command in arresting the suspects, including Mrs. Dorcas Asije and four accomplices.
The statement further assured that once thorough investigations are concluded, all culprits will be duly prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.
It added: “The Ministry, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, reiterates its zero tolerance for examination malpractice, intimidation of school staff, and any form of unethical conduct from students, parents, or guardians.
“Any student found engaging in examination malpractice will face sanctions in line with national examination guidelines. Furthermore, any parent or guardian who enables, supports, or participates in such criminal behaviour will be prosecuted under the law.”
The Ministry also directed all schools to promptly report any threats or breaches of conduct during examinations to law enforcement agencies and relevant educational authorities.
