Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has suspended a lecturer indefinitely after a viral video showed him physically assaulting candidates of the Interim Joint Matriculation Board, IJMB, programme on campus.
The incident happened within the institution’s premises and was recorded by students. The clip spread rapidly on social media, sparking outrage from parents, education advocates, and the public.
In the footage, the lecturer was seen slapping and pushing several IJMB candidates during what appeared to be a confrontation. The students, who were preparing for IJMB exams, looked visibly shaken. Voices in the background could be heard pleading for him to stop.
The video drew thousands of comments within hours, with many Nigerians calling for immediate disciplinary action.
Kwara Poly management released a statement confirming the suspension. They said the lecturer has been “immediately relieved of his duties pending the outcome of a full investigation.”
Key actions announced by the school:
1. *Suspension*: The lecturer is barred from all academic and administrative duties until the probe is concluded.
2. *Panel setup*: A disciplinary committee has been constituted to investigate the circumstances, identify all students involved, and recommend sanctions.
3. *Zero tolerance*: Management reaffirmed its policy against student harassment, intimidation, and physical assault. “Kwara Poly will not tolerate any form of abuse against students,” the statement read.
The Rector’s office also apologized to the affected candidates and their families, saying the institution remains committed to a safe learning environment.
The Interim Joint Matriculation Board programme is a 9-month A-Level course that allows candidates to gain direct entry admission into 200-level at Nigerian universities. Many students at Kwara Poly enroll in it as an alternative to JAMB/UTME.
Parents of candidates said they were shocked by the assault, noting that students pay fees and expect protection, not violence.
*Public reaction*
1. *Students*: The SUG and student unions condemned the act, demanding justice and better lecturer-student relations.
2. *Education advocates*: Groups called on the NBTE and the Kwara State Government to ensure the panel is independent and transparent.
3. *Social media*: #JusticeForIJBMCandidates trended as users shared the video and demanded accountability.
A viral video forced Kwara Poly’s hand in hours. The lecturer is off campus, a panel is running, and the school is promising reforms. For IJMB candidates and their parents, the suspension brings relief — but they’re watching to see if the investigation leads to real consequences.
Kwara Poly says the panel will submit its report within weeks.
