The Lagos State Government (LASG) has evoked the Child Rights Act and the Lagos State Policy on Safeguarding and Child Protection against Stella Nwadigbo.
The New Daily Prime earlier reported that Mrs Nwadigbo, a teacher at Christ Mitots Nursery and Primary School, Ikorodu was captured on camera maltreating three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael.
Mrs Nwadigbo in the viral video repeatedly smacked Michael in the face during a lesson, an act the government described as unlawful and indecent.
This newspaper further reported that the victim has been referred for medical care, while Mrs Nwadigbo has been arrested.
She is currently remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Facility pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution.
She was, however, granted bail of ₦200,000 and two sureties.
The Lagos government maintained that following the incident, the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, conducted a fact-finding visit to the school on January 9, 2025.
The school, approved in 2010, was partially closed, with pupils asked to remain at home until January 13, 2025.
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Speaking on behalf of the school proprietor, Rev. (Mrs.) Olutoye, the head teacher, Mrs B. Adeyeri, confirmed the temporary closure was to protect other pupils and shield the school from public harassment.
The government stated that Mrs Nwadigbo’s actions violated the Child Rights Act and safeguarding policies in Lagos State.
Additionally, the government disclosed that investigations are ongoing, with further attention required from the school proprietor, head teacher, the victim’s mother (who is also a teacher at the school), and other key stakeholders when school resumes on January 13, 2025.
The government reiterated its commitment to protecting children and ensuring justice is served in cases of child abuse.
