The Federal Ministry of Education has condemned in strong terms the assault on the Vice Principal of Complete Child Development College, Aule, Akure, Mr. Rotifa, during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The incident reportedly involved suspected thugs allegedly hired by the parents of a student to attack the school official for enforcing examination rules.

In an official statement released by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, the Ministry described the attack as “unfortunate” and reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on examination malpractice and the intimidation of educational staff.

The statement commended the swift intervention of Ondo State Governor, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and the State Police Command, which led to the arrest of the suspects, including Mrs. Dorcas Asije and four others.

The Ministry urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure all perpetrators are prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

“The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, reiterates the Ministry’s firm stance against any unethical conduct by students, parents, or guardians,” the statement read. “Students found guilty of examination malpractice will face sanctions in accordance with national guidelines, while any parent who supports or engages in such criminal behaviour will face the full weight of the law.”

The Ministry also called on all schools to immediately report any threats or breaches of conduct during examinations to law enforcement and relevant educational authorities.

It emphasized ongoing collaboration with state education ministries, law enforcement agencies, and examination bodies to safeguard the integrity of the country’s examination system.

Reaffirming its support for the management and staff of Complete Child Development College, the Ministry extended solidarity to all education stakeholders across the nation who uphold the values of discipline, accountability, and academic excellence.