The recent viral video of a teacher, Stella Nwadigbo, harshly slapping a three-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael, during a numeracy class at Christ-Mitos Primary School in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has sparked widespread outrage. The Lagos State government promptly intervened, arresting and prosecuting the teacher, who reportedly justified her actions by claiming she was pushing the child to complete a task because he is her friend’s child. The incident has reignited debates about the need for stricter regulations to protect children’s rights in schools.

Advocates have called for the Lagos State government to lead by example in enacting legislation to regulate corporal punishment in schools, ensuring that every teacher is aware of their boundaries when it comes to disciplining students. The lack of clear guidelines, they argue, leaves room for abuse and trauma, as evidenced by this incident. Schools are urged to establish codes of practice for teachers, with breaches carrying significant consequences. Child protection laws, already implemented to address sexual abuse in some states, should also address physical abuse comprehensively.

Beyond legal reforms, experts emphasize the importance of ensuring that only qualified and passionate individuals are allowed to teach at any educational level. Teaching, they argue, is a vocation that requires commitment and empathy, not a fallback for those frustrated by other career paths. Governments must make the teaching profession attractive by offering competitive pay and improved welfare packages to encourage professionalism and reduce frustration among educators. Private schools, too, must adhere to regulatory standards and employ qualified teachers, ensuring no child suffers from unqualified or disgruntled educators.

This tragic incident has also highlighted the need to revisit the curricula of faculties of education, with calls to introduce comprehensive courses on discipline and child protection. Regulatory authorities are encouraged to organize seminars to re-orient teachers on proper disciplinary measures. The trauma inflicted on young Abayomi underscores the urgency for collective action to ensure classrooms are safe and nurturing spaces for learning. This case serves as a critical wake-up call for school administrators and governments across Nigeria to prioritize child welfare and teacher training.