Education commissioner condemns alleged maltreatment as viral footage raises concerns over the treatment of teachers during a government verification exercise in Awka.
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| Anambra State temporarily suspended the teachers’ verification exercise following allegations of flogging and maltreatment at the venue. |
The Anambra State Government has temporarily suspended a verification exercise involving teachers following public outrage over allegations that some educators were flogged and manhandled at the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat Complex in Awka.
The incident, which reportedly occurred during the week, gained attention after a video circulated on social media showing a man wielding a cane and allegedly striking teachers gathered at the venue for the exercise. The footage also appeared to show a female teacher being pulled by her clothing amid the commotion.
The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of public servants participating in a government-mandated verification process.
Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Dr Ekene Ogugua, confirmed that he was aware of the incident and had received a letter from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), according to a report by 247 Ureports.
Ogugua reportedly described the alleged maltreatment as unacceptable and said he had contacted the government office responsible for organising the exercise to express his displeasure over how it was being conducted.
He clarified that the verification exercise was being handled by the Office of the Head of Service rather than the Ministry of Education. The process reportedly covered civil servants and retirees, not teachers alone.
The commissioner attributed some of the difficulties to overcrowding, explaining that participants who had been unable to complete verification on their scheduled dates returned alongside those whose appointments were already due.
He acknowledged that the arrangements needed improvement and said the government intended to provide seating, canopies where possible, better scheduling and a more orderly process.
The verification exercise for teachers was subsequently suspended temporarily to allow the authorities to make the necessary adjustments. No resumption date was provided in the report.
Reports also circulated online about a letter purportedly issued by the Anambra State chapter of the NUT, condemning the alleged treatment of teachers and demanding improved arrangements for the exercise.
The reported demands included a written apology, better coordination, adequate seating and shelter, a complaints desk and a mop-up exercise for participants who missed their scheduled dates.
However, 247 Ureports reported that the NUT state secretary, Comrade Dr Okechukwu Nwachukwu, said he had not seen the circulating letter and could not confirm whether it originated from him. The letter's authenticity therefore remains unconfirmed in the report.
The reported incident has intensified calls for public officials to ensure that verification exercises are conducted in an orderly manner, with due regard for the dignity and safety of participants.
While personnel verification can serve legitimate administrative purposes, the process must be managed through clear procedures and appropriate conduct.
The Anambra State Government's temporary suspension provides an opportunity to address the reported logistical problems before the exercise resumes.