In a shocking video that has gone viral, a teacher at Christ Mitots School in Ikorodu, Lagos State, was captured physically assaulting a toddler who struggled to write the numbers 61 and 62 during a numeracy lesson. The heart-wrenching footage shows the boy, barely four years old, trembling and sobbing as the teacher repeatedly slapped him for his perceived inability to grasp the lesson.  

The public outrage has been swift, with calls for the teacher’s arrest and even the closure of the school. As the story unfolds, it is imperative to critically examine not just the incident but the broader societal attitudes that allow such abuse to occur in places meant to nurture children.  

At four years old, a child’s mind is an open field for exploration, creativity, and learning. This phase of life is delicate, marked by a natural curiosity that flourishes in nurturing environments. The toddler in this incident is emblematic of countless children across Nigeria whose potential is stifled by a system that prioritizes punitive discipline over encouragement.  

Children at that age learn at varying paces, influenced by factors like individual temperament, developmental milestones, and environmental stimuli. The teacher’s actions reflect a gross misunderstanding of child psychology and early education principles. No toddler, no matter how slow to grasp a concept, deserves physical or emotional abuse in the name of discipline.  

Teachers are meant to be mentors and role models, entrusted with the sacred duty of shaping young minds. A classroom should be a haven of safety, where mistakes are opportunities for growth, not grounds for punishment. Unfortunately, the actions of this teacher betray the profession’s ethical standards and the trust placed in her by the parents and the society at large.  

The justification given by the teacher, that the child belonged to her friend, only compounds the issue. Whether or not the child was related to her in any way is irrelevant. Abuse is abuse, and the notion that familiarity grants license to inflict harm is deeply flawed.  

This incident highlights the lingering shadow of corporal punishment in Nigerian schools, a practice that has been officially outlawed in many states but remains entrenched in some educational settings. Despite policies aimed at promoting child-friendly learning environments, the cultural acceptance of “spare the rod, spoil the child” persists.  

Research has consistently shown that corporal punishment harms children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes it as a form of violence that can lead to lifelong psychological trauma. In this case, the visible fear and trembling of the child suggest an immediate impact on his emotional well-being.  

The damage inflicted on the toddler is not limited to physical pain. Being humiliated and hurt by someone entrusted with his care sends a devastating message: that he is unworthy and incapable. Over time, such treatment can erode a child’s self-esteem and impede their ability to trust others.  

Moreover, the ripple effects of such incidents extend beyond the individual. Parents who entrust their children to schools are now left questioning the safety of these institutions. For every child abused, there are countless others whose parents may begin to doubt the education system’s ability to protect and nurture.  

The incident at Christ Mitots School underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight of private and public educational institutions in Nigeria. Schools should be held accountable for the actions of their staff, and mechanisms must be put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of students.  

First, there must be a robust system for reporting and addressing complaints. The fact that this incident came to light only because of a video is alarming. How many similar cases go unreported? Authorities must create safe channels for students, parents, and even teachers to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.  

Second, teacher training programs need to emphasize modern pedagogical approaches, with a strong focus on child psychology and non-violent disciplinary techniques. The failure of this teacher is not hers alone, it is a failure of a system that may not have adequately prepared her for the responsibilities of her role.  

Beyond institutional reforms, society at large must reject the normalization of violence against children. Parents, educators, and policymakers all have a role to play in creating environments where children can thrive without fear.  

The outrage expressed by the caller in the video is a step in the right direction, but such incidents should not require viral moments to spur action. A collective effort is needed to shift societal attitudes, reinforcing the idea that violence has no place in education.  

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State government must take decisive action, not just in addressing this specific case but in preventing future occurrences. Closing the school temporarily or permanently may send a strong message, but it is only a band-aid solution. Systemic changes are needed, including stricter regulation of private schools, enhanced teacher training, and public awareness campaigns about the dangers of corporal punishment.  

Activists and human rights organizations must also remain vigilant, using their platforms to highlight abuses and advocate for child-friendly educational policies. The involvement of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps in this case is commendable, but follow-through is essential to ensure justice is served.  

The toddler in this story represents countless other children whose voices are silenced by fear and systemic neglect. Justice must be served, not just for this child but for all children who have suffered similar fates.  

This case should serve as a turning point, a moment when Nigeria collectively decides that its children deserve better. As a society, we must ask ourselves: what kind of future are we building if the hands meant to nurture are the ones causing harm?  

The teacher’s actions at Christ Mitots School are a stark reminder of the work that remains in ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for Nigeria’s children. A toddler’s world should be filled with curiosity, laughter, and learning, not fear and pain.  

As we hold the teacher accountable, as she has been arrested by the Lagos State Government, let us also commit to broader systemic changes that prioritize the well-being of every child. For in safeguarding their innocence, we secure our nation’s future. Nwadigbo was arrested by officials of Lagos Neighborhood Safety Agency, following the trending video of the toddler being physically abused by the teacher.