Exam Integrity Under Attack: Vice Principal Beaten for Blocking Student With Smartphone During WAEC
Byline: IDNN Education & Public Integrity Desk
What began as a standard West African Examination Council (WAEC) paper in Akure, Ondo State, ended in chaos, as a school administrator enforcing exam rules was violently attacked — allegedly on orders from a student’s family.
The Vice Principal of Complete Child Development College, Aule, identified as Mr. Rotifa, was reportedly beaten by a group of young men after he confiscated a smartphone from a student caught attempting to cheat during a senior secondary school examination.
The incident has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s education sector, once again raising questions about parental complicity, security in schools, and the state of national exam integrity.
Anatomy of the Assault
According to a preliminary report from the Ondo State Ministry of Education, the drama started on May 26, 2025, when Rotifa seized an Android phone from a male SS3 student in violation of WAEC rules.
Days later, the student’s mother stormed the school, allegedly creating a scene and demanding the phone be returned. The school’s proprietor reportedly conceded to the pressure and returned the phone.
But the escalation didn’t end there.
Later, the student’s older brother — a former pupil — arrived at the school and issued threats against Mr. Rotifa, vowing retaliation.
What followed was a premeditated ambush.
On his way back from reporting the matter to the police, Mr. Rotifa, accompanied by two officers, was waylaid by the group, dragged from the police van, and violently attacked in broad daylight.
Medical Treatment, Police Response & Fear of Retaliation
The vice principal sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital. Though discharged, he is reportedly in hiding for fear of further attacks.
“The school principal confirmed that the teacher has not returned home due to credible threats,” the government report said. Police investigations are ongoing, and efforts to apprehend the assailants have intensified.
Authorities are now working to secure the school premises for the remaining WAEC examinations.
Outrage and Condemnation
The incident has sparked outrage among educators and civic groups. Many have called for swift justice and improved protection for exam officials nationwide.
“This is not just an attack on one teacher — it’s an assault on the soul of our education system,” said an official from the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS).
