A Nigerian woman was reported to have sparked fresh debate over discipline in schools after calling for the reintroduction of corporal punishment in the education system, arguing that strict disciplinary measures once helped shape responsible and respectful students.
Speaking during a public discussion on discipline and child upbringing, the woman expressed concern over what she described as the gradual erosion of discipline in schools, blaming it partly on the removal of corporal punishment and increased parental interference in school disciplinary matters.
According to her, the current system has made teachers reluctant to discipline pupils for fear of backlash from parents. She noted that even mild corrective actions sometimes lead to complaints and confrontations.
She illustrated her point by saying that if a child is asked to kneel down or face a wall as punishment today, the child may return the next day with parents claiming the action caused a medical problem, supported by a doctor’s report.
“Tell a child to kneel down and face the wall today, the child may come back tomorrow with his parents saying the doctor has confirmed that the kneeling caused a knee cap problem,” she said.
The woman maintained that corporal punishment played a significant role in instilling discipline during her school days and helped many students grow into responsible adults.
“Bring back corporal punishment, and our educational system will work again. I am among those whom corporal punishment made and never marred,” she stated.
She recalled that disciplinary measures such as standing facing the wall, frog jumps, one-leg jumps and picking pins from the ground were common in schools in the past. In more serious cases, students were asked to cut grass within the school premises according to their age and ability.
According to her, such punishments not only corrected wrongdoing but also taught students respect for teachers and elders while shaping their character and behaviour both within and outside the school environment.
She further noted that the fear of being reported to teachers often served as a strong deterrent against misconduct among children at the time.
“In those days, whenever you misbehaved, and your parents said they would report you to your teacher, you would start crying immediately,” she recalled.
The woman argued that discipline was once firmly in the hands of schools, but that responsibility has gradually shifted back to parents, with negative consequences.
“Then discipline was in the hands of the school, but today parents have taken it back. The question is: what have they done with it?” she asked.
She lamented that teachers now face hostility from parents whenever they attempt to discipline students, noting that some parents even confront or threaten teachers over disciplinary actions.
“If you discipline a child today, the next day the parents may come to the school to fight the teacher,” she said.
Her remarks have added to ongoing conversations among educators, parents and policymakers about the best methods for maintaining discipline in schools while protecting children’s rights.
While some education experts argue that corporal punishment can lead to abuse and psychological harm, others believe stricter disciplinary systems, when properly regulated, may help address rising cases of indiscipline among students.
The discussion continues as stakeholders seek a balanced approach that ensures discipline, respect for teachers and the overall well-being of pupils in Nigeria’s education system.
