Lagos State’s decision to ban corporal punishment in schools has ignited a heated debate, with critics accusing the government of adopting Western practices without considering local realities. Dr. Macphelane Ejah, Executive Director of the International Training Research and Advocacy Project (INTRAP), described the policy as “an unfit adoption of Western culture” that could have long-term negative consequences.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar, Dr. Ejah argued that corporal punishment aligns with Nigerian cultural and religious values. “At home, parents flog and punish their children not to maim them but to correct them. This should be the same way teachers discipline children,” he said. He further warned that the ban could lead to a surge in indiscipline among students in the next five years.
Lagos State outlawed corporal punishment in 2022, replacing it with counselling as part of the Safeguarding and Child Protection Programme. The State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, defended the policy, stating, “Against flogging of students, we have adopted counselling as a measure of correction.” He emphasized that the goal was to prevent injuries or fatalities. However, Dr. Ejah dismissed counselling as insufficient, arguing that “behaviour change is not automatic” and questioning what measures would deter repeat offences.
“Counselling Alone Is Not Enough”
Dr. Ejah insisted that while counselling has its benefits, it cannot entirely replace corporal punishment. “Proposing it in place of corporal punishment means the officials of the Lagos State Government do not understand the reality on the ground,” he remarked. He pointed out that in many Nigerian schools, counselling is limited to career guidance rather than addressing behavioural issues.
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Professor Ayodeji Owolabi, a microbiologist from the University of Calabar, echoed Ejah’s concerns. “If there is no effective disciplinary measure, the tendency is that children would grow up lawless,” he warned. Prof. Owolabi argued for a balanced approach, saying, “Corporal punishment, like flogging, should not be banned; it should rather be done in love and moderation.”
As the debate intensifies, education stakeholders in Lagos are left grappling with the question of how best to instill discipline in schools without crossing the line into abuse.
For now, the government remains firm on its stance against corporal punishment, setting the stage for a prolonged dispute over the future of student discipline in Nigeria’s largest city.
