Ibru College Educators Suspended, Ordered to Clean Toilets for One Month
Two teachers at Ibru College, Agbarha-Otor, in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, have been handed severe sanctions after being found guilty of engaging in a physical fight within the school premises.
The teachers, Mr. Agofure R. and Mr. Etuh G., have been suspended by the Delta State government and ordered to clean the staff toilets for one month as part of their punishment. Additionally, they have been recommended for transfer to other public schools in a bid to maintain discipline and uphold professional standards at Ibru College.
The school’s disciplinary committee, in its report, condemned the fight as a violation of professional ethics and imposed a series of penalties on the duo. Beyond the school’s sanctions, the teachers have been directed to report to the Ughelli Zonal Office of the Delta State Post-Primary Education Board for further interrogation regarding the incident. Pending a final decision by the board, both educators have been suspended from duty.
In a further move, Mr. Etuh G. has been ordered to vacate his official quarters within the school compound within one month.
Confirming the decision, the school’s Principal, Mr. Akporube L.O., emphasized that Ibru College maintains a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct among staff. He reiterated the importance of discipline and professionalism in the teaching profession, stating that the institution will not condone any behavior that undermines ethical standards.
“Teachers are expected to be role models to their students. Any act of misconduct, especially one as disgraceful as a physical altercation, will be met with strict consequences,” Mr. Akporube stated.
The incident has drawn strong criticism from parents, educators, and stakeholders in the education sector. Reacting to the development, Dr. Precious Omoruwou, a Senior Lecturer at Southern Delta University, condemned the actions of the teachers, attributing the incident to a flawed recruitment process in engaging educators.
She called for continuous training and retraining of teachers, emphasizing that educators are molders of character and role models to their students. “Educators must uphold very high standards of discipline. Their actions and inactions have a direct impact on shaping society in its entirety. They must not be allowed to behave in an uncivil manner,” Dr. Omoruwou added.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the need for improved professionalism and ethical conduct among teachers in Nigeria’s education system.