The Vice Principal of Complete Child Development College in Akure, Ondo State, Mr. Rotifa, has been hospitalised after he was reportedly attacked by thugs allegedly hired by the parents of a student caught cheating during the ongoing WAEC examination.
According to reports, Mr. Rotifa had confiscated an Android phone from an SS3 student who was allegedly using it to cheat during the West African Senior School Certificate Examination. This happened on Monday, May 26, 2025.
After the phone was seized, the student told his parents. A few days later, his mother came to the school to complain. The school’s proprietor later returned the phone to avoid further trouble.
However, the situation worsened when the student’s brother, a former student of the school, reportedly returned to threaten the Vice Principal. According to a source, thugs later came to the school to attack Mr. Rotifa.
“When the thugs came to the school, the management quickly called the police. Two officers came and put Mr. Rotifa in their vehicle for safety. But on their way back, the suspects blocked the police van, dragged the Vice Principal out, and beat him badly. He almost fainted,” the source said.
Mr. Rotifa was taken to a private hospital in Akure. He has been discharged but has not returned home, fearing another attack.
The Ondo State Ministry of Education confirmed the incident and said an investigation is ongoing. The Director of Schools in the ministry, Mr. Dare Obajulaye, gave more details.
He said, “On Monday, May 26, an Android phone was found with a student during the WAEC exam. The Vice Principal, Mr. Rotifa, seized it. The student’s mother later visited the school and demanded the phone. The proprietor told Mr. Rotifa to return it, which he did.”
He added, “On Thursday, the student’s brother came to the school and threatened Mr. Rotifa. After school, they were seen hanging around. The proprietor advised the Vice Principal to report to the police. Two officers took him in their van to look for the suspects but didn’t find them.”
“While returning, the suspects intercepted the police van, dragged Mr. Rotifa out, and beat him up. He was taken to the hospital. Though he has been discharged, he hasn’t gone home yet out of fear.”
Obajulaye said the government is working to protect school staff and students during the remaining WAEC exams.
The spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Mr. Olayinka Alayande, also confirmed the attack. He said the Commissioner of Police has ordered the arrest of everyone involved.
“The Commissioner has deployed tactical teams and asked the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to lead the case. We are doing everything to stop any further violence and ensure the safety of residents,” Alayande said.
As of the time of this report, no arrests had been made.
