The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, says 85 per cent of Nigerian children between the ages of 1 and 14 experience violent discipline in schools, with nearly 1 in 3 children experiencing severe physical punishment.

UNICEF Chief of Education, Saadhna Panday-Soobrayan, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, at a two-day National Awareness Creation Meeting on Ending Corporal Punishment in schools, organised by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, TRCN, in collaboration with UNICEF.

Panday-Soobrayan described the discussion on ending corporal punishment in schools as “difficult and heart-breaking,” stating however that the presence of participants at the meeting was a testament to Nigeria’s determination to uphold every child’s right to safety, well-being and quality, inclusive education.

“Yesterday we confronted the harrowing reality that 85% of children between the
ages of 1 and 14 in Nigeria experience violent discipline, with nearly 1 in 3 children experiencing severe physical punishment. This is a staggering statistic colleague one that demands urgent action and is indicative of a crisis!

“Much of this violent discipline takes place in the form of corporal punishment in the very institutions that are entrusted to keep children safe, develop respect for human rights and prepare them for life in a society that promotes understanding peace, and conflict resolution through dialogue,” she said.

According to her, the persistence of these practices contradicts Nigeria’s National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, which commits to zero-tolerance to any threat to the security of life and property in schools.

Panday-Soobrayan also noted that the practice is “stalling Nigeria’s progress toward SDG 3 to ensure good health and well-being, SDG 4 on equitable and inclusive quality education and target 16.2 (to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children).”

She said that the impact of corporal punishment on children is devastating, she said children are left with both physical and psychological wounds.

She further stated that “physical punishment causes not only pain, sadness, fear, shame, and
anger but is also linked with children’s hyperreactivity to stress, changes in brain structure and function, and overloaded nervous, cardiovascular, and nutritional systems. Spanking, just like more severe abuse, is linked to atypical brain function.”

“The damage is not only acute, affecting their learning in the current moment, but also chronic. A large body of research links physical punishment with long-term disability or death; mental ill-health; impaired cognitive and socio-emotional development; school dropout and poorer academic and occupational outcomes; increased antisocial behaviour, aggression, and criminal behaviour in adulthood; and damaged relationships through its intergenerational transmission.”

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who congratulated UNICEF and TRCN, said the action plan would improve enrollment, retention, transition and completion in education.

Adamu, represented by the Director, Senior Secondary Education Department, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, said this at the National Awareness Creation Meeting on Ending Corporal Punishment in Schools.

According to him, we are beginning to see a global change of how corporal punishment is considered, and now it is easier to see that it is not effective and that there are alternatives.

” The Federal Ministry of Education therefore endorse this plan to serve as a roadmap for ending corporal punishment in schools in line with the Child’s Right Act passed into law in 2003.

” It will help to protect children’s right to a life of violence,” he said.

The Registrar, TRCN, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye said that learning and safety could no longer be thought of as separate entities, hence the need to build a safe education to build back a better and safer children.

Ajiboye called for more effort to educate parents and teachers on the implication of corporal punishment as well as the alternatives that were available to them.

According to him, good school discipline depend not only on non-violent responses to poor students behaviour, but on skilled and properly trained teachers.

” Globally, there is a paradigm shift from corporal punishment in schools because of its effect on pupils.

” It has been proven to be ineffective, dangerous and an unacceptable method of controlling and maintaining behaviour and discipline.

” This is because it brings negative rather than positive consequences in the whole process of teaching and learning,” he said.

He, therefore, said that the campaign was committed to seeing a school culture that ensured a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

Meanwhile, the representative of the Technical Working Group of the action plan, Mr Noah Ashibi said that over 62% boys and 59% girls were reported to have experienced some form of physical abuse such as corporal punishment in schools and at home.

Ashibi, who is also an Assistant Director, TRCN, Cross River Coordinator, said that the findings had huge implications for children’s right to education in Nigeria and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4.

‘ Nigeria is presently struggling with a large number of out-of-school children, a phenomenon which, in large, is attributable to the various forms of violence affecting children.

” In a recent survey of learners, teachers, parents and traditional leaders in the northern Nigeria, 62% of learners reported experiencing various forms of corporal punishment such as flogging, slapping, kicking, frog jump and other physical violence.

“Over half of the respondents identified teachers as the main perpetrators of corporal punishment.

“These violent discipline practices persist the large body of research that acknowledges the physical, emotional, developmental and psychological harm that they inflict on children.

He, however, called for serious action from all stakeholders to eradicate this practice from schools.

In the same vein, the Policy Advisor, Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Mrs Odinakachi Ahanonu called for a strong synergy in ensuring that the plan contributed to ending corporal punishment in schools.

Highlights of the event was a call to action at federal, state local governments and schools levels to create awareness on the dangers if corporal punishment coordinated at all levels.

Other actions was to develop and implement a policy framework focusing on ending corporal punishment in schools, among others. (NAN)

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, says 85 per cent of Nigerian children between the ages of 1 and 14 experience violent discipline in schools, with nearly 1 in 3 children experiencing severe physical punishment.

UNICEF Chief of Education, Saadhna Panday-Soobrayan, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, at a two-day National Awareness Creation Meeting on Ending Corporal Punishment in schools, organised by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, TRCN, in collaboration with UNICEF.

Panday-Soobrayan described the discussion on ending corporal punishment in schools as “difficult and heart-breaking,” stating however that the presence of participants at the meeting was a testament to Nigeria’s determination to uphold every child’s right to safety, well-being and quality, inclusive education.

“Yesterday we confronted the harrowing reality that 85% of children between the
ages of 1 and 14 in Nigeria experience violent discipline, with nearly 1 in 3 children experiencing severe physical punishment. This is a staggering statistic colleague one that demands urgent action and is indicative of a crisis!

“Much of this violent discipline takes place in the form of corporal punishment in the very institutions that are entrusted to keep children safe, develop respect for human rights and prepare them for life in a society that promotes understanding peace, and conflict resolution through dialogue,” she said.

According to her, the persistence of these practices contradicts Nigeria’s National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, which commits to zero-tolerance to any threat to the security of life and property in schools.

Panday-Soobrayan also noted that the practice is “stalling Nigeria’s progress toward SDG 3 to ensure good health and well-being, SDG 4 on equitable and inclusive quality education and target 16.2 (to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children).”

She said that the impact of corporal punishment on children is devastating, she said children are left with both physical and psychological wounds.

She further stated that “physical punishment causes not only pain, sadness, fear, shame, and
anger but is also linked with children’s hyperreactivity to stress, changes in brain structure and function, and overloaded nervous, cardiovascular, and nutritional systems. Spanking, just like more severe abuse, is linked to atypical brain function.”

“The damage is not only acute, affecting their learning in the current moment, but also chronic. A large body of research links physical punishment with long-term disability or death; mental ill-health; impaired cognitive and socio-emotional development; school dropout and poorer academic and occupational outcomes; increased antisocial behaviour, aggression, and criminal behaviour in adulthood; and damaged relationships through its intergenerational transmission.”

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who congratulated UNICEF and TRCN, said the action plan would improve enrollment, retention, transition and completion in education.

Adamu, represented by the Director, Senior Secondary Education Department, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, said this at the National Awareness Creation Meeting on Ending Corporal Punishment in Schools.

According to him, we are beginning to see a global change of how corporal punishment is considered, and now it is easier to see that it is not effective and that there are alternatives.

” The Federal Ministry of Education therefore endorse this plan to serve as a roadmap for ending corporal punishment in schools in line with the Child’s Right Act passed into law in 2003.

” It will help to protect children’s right to a life of violence,” he said.

The Registrar, TRCN, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye said that learning and safety could no longer be thought of as separate entities, hence the need to build a safe education to build back a better and safer children.

Ajiboye called for more effort to educate parents and teachers on the implication of corporal punishment as well as the alternatives that were available to them.

According to him, good school discipline depend not only on non-violent responses to poor students behaviour, but on skilled and properly trained teachers.

” Globally, there is a paradigm shift from corporal punishment in schools because of its effect on pupils.

” It has been proven to be ineffective, dangerous and an unacceptable method of controlling and maintaining behaviour and discipline.

” This is because it brings negative rather than positive consequences in the whole process of teaching and learning,” he said.

He, therefore, said that the campaign was committed to seeing a school culture that ensured a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

Meanwhile, the representative of the Technical Working Group of the action plan, Mr Noah Ashibi said that over 62% boys and 59% girls were reported to have experienced some form of physical abuse such as corporal punishment in schools and at home.

Ashibi, who is also an Assistant Director, TRCN, Cross River Coordinator, said that the findings had huge implications for children’s right to education in Nigeria and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4.

‘ Nigeria is presently struggling with a large number of out-of-school children, a phenomenon which, in large, is attributable to the various forms of violence affecting children.

” In a recent survey of learners, teachers, parents and traditional leaders in the northern Nigeria, 62% of learners reported experiencing various forms of corporal punishment such as flogging, slapping, kicking, frog jump and other physical violence.

“Over half of the respondents identified teachers as the main perpetrators of corporal punishment.

“These violent discipline practices persist the large body of research that acknowledges the physical, emotional, developmental and psychological harm that they inflict on children.

He, however, called for serious action from all stakeholders to eradicate this practice from schools.

In the same vein, the Policy Advisor, Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Mrs Odinakachi Ahanonu called for a strong synergy in ensuring that the plan contributed to ending corporal punishment in schools.

Highlights of the event was a call to action at federal, state local governments and schools levels to create awareness on the dangers if corporal punishment coordinated at all levels.

Other actions was to develop and implement a policy framework focusing on ending corporal punishment in schools, among others. (NAN)

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, says 85 per cent of Nigerian children between the ages of 1 and 14 experience violent discipline in schools, with nearly 1 in 3 children experiencing severe physical punishment.

UNICEF Chief of Education, Saadhna Panday-Soobrayan, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, at a two-day National Awareness Creation Meeting on Ending Corporal Punishment in schools, organised by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, TRCN, in collaboration with UNICEF.

Panday-Soobrayan described the discussion on ending corporal punishment in schools as “difficult and heart-breaking,” stating however that the presence of participants at the meeting was a testament to Nigeria’s determination to uphold every child’s right to safety, well-being and quality, inclusive education.

“Yesterday we confronted the harrowing reality that 85% of children between the
ages of 1 and 14 in Nigeria experience violent discipline, with nearly 1 in 3 children experiencing severe physical punishment. This is a staggering statistic colleague one that demands urgent action and is indicative of a crisis!

“Much of this violent discipline takes place in the form of corporal punishment in the very institutions that are entrusted to keep children safe, develop respect for human rights and prepare them for life in a society that promotes understanding peace, and conflict resolution through dialogue,” she said.

According to her, the persistence of these practices contradicts Nigeria’s National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, which commits to zero-tolerance to any threat to the security of life and property in schools.

Panday-Soobrayan also noted that the practice is “stalling Nigeria’s progress toward SDG 3 to ensure good health and well-being, SDG 4 on equitable and inclusive quality education and target 16.2 (to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children).”

She said that the impact of corporal punishment on children is devastating, she said children are left with both physical and psychological wounds.

She further stated that “physical punishment causes not only pain, sadness, fear, shame, and
anger but is also linked with children’s hyperreactivity to stress, changes in brain structure and function, and overloaded nervous, cardiovascular, and nutritional systems. Spanking, just like more severe abuse, is linked to atypical brain function.”

“The damage is not only acute, affecting their learning in the current moment, but also chronic. A large body of research links physical punishment with long-term disability or death; mental ill-health; impaired cognitive and socio-emotional development; school dropout and poorer academic and occupational outcomes; increased antisocial behaviour, aggression, and criminal behaviour in adulthood; and damaged relationships through its intergenerational transmission.”

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who congratulated UNICEF and TRCN, said the action plan would improve enrollment, retention, transition and completion in education.

Adamu, represented by the Director, Senior Secondary Education Department, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, said this at the National Awareness Creation Meeting on Ending Corporal Punishment in Schools.

According to him, we are beginning to see a global change of how corporal punishment is considered, and now it is easier to see that it is not effective and that there are alternatives.

” The Federal Ministry of Education therefore endorse this plan to serve as a roadmap for ending corporal punishment in schools in line with the Child’s Right Act passed into law in 2003.

” It will help to protect children’s right to a life of violence,” he said.

The Registrar, TRCN, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye said that learning and safety could no longer be thought of as separate entities, hence the need to build a safe education to build back a better and safer children.

Ajiboye called for more effort to educate parents and teachers on the implication of corporal punishment as well as the alternatives that were available to them.

According to him, good school discipline depend not only on non-violent responses to poor students behaviour, but on skilled and properly trained teachers.

” Globally, there is a paradigm shift from corporal punishment in schools because of its effect on pupils.

” It has been proven to be ineffective, dangerous and an unacceptable method of controlling and maintaining behaviour and discipline.

” This is because it brings negative rather than positive consequences in the whole process of teaching and learning,” he said.

He, therefore, said that the campaign was committed to seeing a school culture that ensured a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

Meanwhile, the representative of the Technical Working Group of the action plan, Mr Noah Ashibi said that over 62% boys and 59% girls were reported to have experienced some form of physical abuse such as corporal punishment in schools and at home.

Ashibi, who is also an Assistant Director, TRCN, Cross River Coordinator, said that the findings had huge implications for children’s right to education in Nigeria and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4.

‘ Nigeria is presently struggling with a large number of out-of-school children, a phenomenon which, in large, is attributable to the various forms of violence affecting children.

” In a recent survey of learners, teachers, parents and traditional leaders in the northern Nigeria, 62% of learners reported experiencing various forms of corporal punishment such as flogging, slapping, kicking, frog jump and other physical violence.

“Over half of the respondents identified teachers as the main perpetrators of corporal punishment.

“These violent discipline practices persist the large body of research that acknowledges the physical, emotional, developmental and psychological harm that they inflict on children.

He, however, called for serious action from all stakeholders to eradicate this practice from schools.

In the same vein, the Policy Advisor, Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Mrs Odinakachi Ahanonu called for a strong synergy in ensuring that the plan contributed to ending corporal punishment in schools.

Highlights of the event was a call to action at federal, state local governments and schools levels to create awareness on the dangers if corporal punishment coordinated at all levels.

Other actions was to develop and implement a policy framework focusing on ending corporal punishment in schools, among others. (NAN)

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, says 85 per cent of Nigerian children between the ages of 1 and 14 experience violent discipline in schools, with nearly 1 in 3 children experiencing severe physical punishment.

UNICEF Chief of Education, Saadhna Panday-Soobrayan, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, at a two-day National Awareness Creation Meeting on Ending Corporal Punishment in schools, organised by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, TRCN, in collaboration with UNICEF.

Panday-Soobrayan described the discussion on ending corporal punishment in schools as “difficult and heart-breaking,” stating however that the presence of participants at the meeting was a testament to Nigeria’s determination to uphold every child’s right to safety, well-being and quality, inclusive education.

“Yesterday we confronted the harrowing reality that 85% of children between the
ages of 1 and 14 in Nigeria experience violent discipline, with nearly 1 in 3 children experiencing severe physical punishment. This is a staggering statistic colleague one that demands urgent action and is indicative of a crisis!

“Much of this violent discipline takes place in the form of corporal punishment in the very institutions that are entrusted to keep children safe, develop respect for human rights and prepare them for life in a society that promotes understanding peace, and conflict resolution through dialogue,” she said.

According to her, the persistence of these practices contradicts Nigeria’s National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, which commits to zero-tolerance to any threat to the security of life and property in schools.

Panday-Soobrayan also noted that the practice is “stalling Nigeria’s progress toward SDG 3 to ensure good health and well-being, SDG 4 on equitable and inclusive quality education and target 16.2 (to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children).”

She said that the impact of corporal punishment on children is devastating, she said children are left with both physical and psychological wounds.

She further stated that “physical punishment causes not only pain, sadness, fear, shame, and
anger but is also linked with children’s hyperreactivity to stress, changes in brain structure and function, and overloaded nervous, cardiovascular, and nutritional systems. Spanking, just like more severe abuse, is linked to atypical brain function.”

“The damage is not only acute, affecting their learning in the current moment, but also chronic. A large body of research links physical punishment with long-term disability or death; mental ill-health; impaired cognitive and socio-emotional development; school dropout and poorer academic and occupational outcomes; increased antisocial behaviour, aggression, and criminal behaviour in adulthood; and damaged relationships through its intergenerational transmission.”

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who congratulated UNICEF and TRCN, said the action plan would improve enrollment, retention, transition and completion in education.

Adamu, represented by the Director, Senior Secondary Education Department, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, said this at the National Awareness Creation Meeting on Ending Corporal Punishment in Schools.

According to him, we are beginning to see a global change of how corporal punishment is considered, and now it is easier to see that it is not effective and that there are alternatives.

” The Federal Ministry of Education therefore endorse this plan to serve as a roadmap for ending corporal punishment in schools in line with the Child’s Right Act passed into law in 2003.

” It will help to protect children’s right to a life of violence,” he said.

The Registrar, TRCN, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye said that learning and safety could no longer be thought of as separate entities, hence the need to build a safe education to build back a better and safer children.

Ajiboye called for more effort to educate parents and teachers on the implication of corporal punishment as well as the alternatives that were available to them.

According to him, good school discipline depend not only on non-violent responses to poor students behaviour, but on skilled and properly trained teachers.

” Globally, there is a paradigm shift from corporal punishment in schools because of its effect on pupils.

” It has been proven to be ineffective, dangerous and an unacceptable method of controlling and maintaining behaviour and discipline.

” This is because it brings negative rather than positive consequences in the whole process of teaching and learning,” he said.

He, therefore, said that the campaign was committed to seeing a school culture that ensured a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

Meanwhile, the representative of the Technical Working Group of the action plan, Mr Noah Ashibi said that over 62% boys and 59% girls were reported to have experienced some form of physical abuse such as corporal punishment in schools and at home.

Ashibi, who is also an Assistant Director, TRCN, Cross River Coordinator, said that the findings had huge implications for children’s right to education in Nigeria and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4.

‘ Nigeria is presently struggling with a large number of out-of-school children, a phenomenon which, in large, is attributable to the various forms of violence affecting children.

” In a recent survey of learners, teachers, parents and traditional leaders in the northern Nigeria, 62% of learners reported experiencing various forms of corporal punishment such as flogging, slapping, kicking, frog jump and other physical violence.

“Over half of the respondents identified teachers as the main perpetrators of corporal punishment.

“These violent discipline practices persist the large body of research that acknowledges the physical, emotional, developmental and psychological harm that they inflict on children.

He, however, called for serious action from all stakeholders to eradicate this practice from schools.

In the same vein, the Policy Advisor, Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Mrs Odinakachi Ahanonu called for a strong synergy in ensuring that the plan contributed to ending corporal punishment in schools.

Highlights of the event was a call to action at federal, state local governments and schools levels to create awareness on the dangers if corporal punishment coordinated at all levels.

Other actions was to develop and implement a policy framework focusing on ending corporal punishment in schools, among others. (NAN)

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, says 85 per cent of Nigerian children between the ages of 1 and 14 experience violent discipline in schools, with nearly 1 in 3 children experiencing severe physical punishment.

UNICEF Chief of Education, Saadhna Panday-Soobrayan, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, at a two-day National Awareness Creation Meeting on Ending Corporal Punishment in schools, organised by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, TRCN, in collaboration with UNICEF.

Panday-Soobrayan described the discussion on ending corporal punishment in schools as “difficult and heart-breaking,” stating however that the presence of participants at the meeting was a testament to Nigeria’s determination to uphold every child’s right to safety, well-being and quality, inclusive education.

“Yesterday we confronted the harrowing reality that 85% of children between the
ages of 1 and 14 in Nigeria experience violent discipline, with nearly 1 in 3 children experiencing severe physical punishment. This is a staggering statistic colleague one that demands urgent action and is indicative of a crisis!

“Much of this violent discipline takes place in the form of corporal punishment in the very institutions that are entrusted to keep children safe, develop respect for human rights and prepare them for life in a society that promotes understanding peace, and conflict resolution through dialogue,” she said.

According to her, the persistence of these practices contradicts Nigeria’s National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, which commits to zero-tolerance to any threat to the security of life and property in schools.

Panday-Soobrayan also noted that the practice is “stalling Nigeria’s progress toward SDG 3 to ensure good health and well-being, SDG 4 on equitable and inclusive quality education and target 16.2 (to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children).”

She said that the impact of corporal punishment on children is devastating, she said children are left with both physical and psychological wounds.

She further stated that “physical punishment causes not only pain, sadness, fear, shame, and
anger but is also linked with children’s hyperreactivity to stress, changes in brain structure and function, and overloaded nervous, cardiovascular, and nutritional systems. Spanking, just like more severe abuse, is linked to atypical brain function.”

“The damage is not only acute, affecting their learning in the current moment, but also chronic. A large body of research links physical punishment with long-term disability or death; mental ill-health; impaired cognitive and socio-emotional development; school dropout and poorer academic and occupational outcomes; increased antisocial behaviour, aggression, and criminal behaviour in adulthood; and damaged relationships through its intergenerational transmission.”

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who congratulated UNICEF and TRCN, said the action plan would improve enrollment, retention, transition and completion in education.

Adamu, represented by the Director, Senior Secondary Education Department, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, said this at the National Awareness Creation Meeting on Ending Corporal Punishment in Schools.

According to him, we are beginning to see a global change of how corporal punishment is considered, and now it is easier to see that it is not effective and that there are alternatives.

” The Federal Ministry of Education therefore endorse this plan to serve as a roadmap for ending corporal punishment in schools in line with the Child’s Right Act passed into law in 2003.

” It will help to protect children’s right to a life of violence,” he said.

The Registrar, TRCN, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye said that learning and safety could no longer be thought of as separate entities, hence the need to build a safe education to build back a better and safer children.

Ajiboye called for more effort to educate parents and teachers on the implication of corporal punishment as well as the alternatives that were available to them.

According to him, good school discipline depend not only on non-violent responses to poor students behaviour, but on skilled and properly trained teachers.

” Globally, there is a paradigm shift from corporal punishment in schools because of its effect on pupils.

” It has been proven to be ineffective, dangerous and an unacceptable method of controlling and maintaining behaviour and discipline.

” This is because it brings negative rather than positive consequences in the whole process of teaching and learning,” he said.

He, therefore, said that the campaign was committed to seeing a school culture that ensured a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

Meanwhile, the representative of the Technical Working Group of the action plan, Mr Noah Ashibi said that over 62% boys and 59% girls were reported to have experienced some form of physical abuse such as corporal punishment in schools and at home.

Ashibi, who is also an Assistant Director, TRCN, Cross River Coordinator, said that the findings had huge implications for children’s right to education in Nigeria and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4.

‘ Nigeria is presently struggling with a large number of out-of-school children, a phenomenon which, in large, is attributable to the various forms of violence affecting children.

” In a recent survey of learners, teachers, parents and traditional leaders in the northern Nigeria, 62% of learners reported experiencing various forms of corporal punishment such as flogging, slapping, kicking, frog jump and other physical violence.

“Over half of the respondents identified teachers as the main perpetrators of corporal punishment.

“These violent discipline practices persist the large body of research that acknowledges the physical, emotional, developmental and psychological harm that they inflict on children.

He, however, called for serious action from all stakeholders to eradicate this practice from schools.

In the same vein, the Policy Advisor, Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Mrs Odinakachi Ahanonu called for a strong synergy in ensuring that the plan contributed to ending corporal punishment in schools.

Highlights of the event was a call to action at federal, state local governments and schools levels to create awareness on the dangers if corporal punishment coordinated at all levels.

Other actions was to develop and implement a policy framework focusing on ending corporal punishment in schools, among others. (NAN)

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, says 85 per cent of Nigerian children between the ages of 1 and 14 experience violent discipline in schools, with nearly 1 in 3 children experiencing severe physical punishment.

UNICEF Chief of Education, Saadhna Panday-Soobrayan, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, at a two-day National Awareness Creation Meeting on Ending Corporal Punishment in schools, organised by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, TRCN, in collaboration with UNICEF.

Panday-Soobrayan described the discussion on ending corporal punishment in schools as “difficult and heart-breaking,” stating however that the presence of participants at the meeting was a testament to Nigeria’s determination to uphold every child’s right to safety, well-being and quality, inclusive education.

“Yesterday we confronted the harrowing reality that 85% of children between the
ages of 1 and 14 in Nigeria experience violent discipline, with nearly 1 in 3 children experiencing severe physical punishment. This is a staggering statistic colleague one that demands urgent action and is indicative of a crisis!

“Much of this violent discipline takes place in the form of corporal punishment in the very institutions that are entrusted to keep children safe, develop respect for human rights and prepare them for life in a society that promotes understanding peace, and conflict resolution through dialogue,” she said.

According to her, the persistence of these practices contradicts Nigeria’s National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, which commits to zero-tolerance to any threat to the security of life and property in schools.

Panday-Soobrayan also noted that the practice is “stalling Nigeria’s progress toward SDG 3 to ensure good health and well-being, SDG 4 on equitable and inclusive quality education and target 16.2 (to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children).”

She said that the impact of corporal punishment on children is devastating, she said children are left with both physical and psychological wounds.

She further stated that “physical punishment causes not only pain, sadness, fear, shame, and
anger but is also linked with children’s hyperreactivity to stress, changes in brain structure and function, and overloaded nervous, cardiovascular, and nutritional systems. Spanking, just like more severe abuse, is linked to atypical brain function.”

“The damage is not only acute, affecting their learning in the current moment, but also chronic. A large body of research links physical punishment with long-term disability or death; mental ill-health; impaired cognitive and socio-emotional development; school dropout and poorer academic and occupational outcomes; increased antisocial behaviour, aggression, and criminal behaviour in adulthood; and damaged relationships through its intergenerational transmission.”

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who congratulated UNICEF and TRCN, said the action plan would improve enrollment, retention, transition and completion in education.

Adamu, represented by the Director, Senior Secondary Education Department, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, said this at the National Awareness Creation Meeting on Ending Corporal Punishment in Schools.

According to him, we are beginning to see a global change of how corporal punishment is considered, and now it is easier to see that it is not effective and that there are alternatives.

” The Federal Ministry of Education therefore endorse this plan to serve as a roadmap for ending corporal punishment in schools in line with the Child’s Right Act passed into law in 2003.

” It will help to protect children’s right to a life of violence,” he said.

The Registrar, TRCN, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye said that learning and safety could no longer be thought of as separate entities, hence the need to build a safe education to build back a better and safer children.

Ajiboye called for more effort to educate parents and teachers on the implication of corporal punishment as well as the alternatives that were available to them.

According to him, good school discipline depend not only on non-violent responses to poor students behaviour, but on skilled and properly trained teachers.

” Globally, there is a paradigm shift from corporal punishment in schools because of its effect on pupils.

” It has been proven to be ineffective, dangerous and an unacceptable method of controlling and maintaining behaviour and discipline.

” This is because it brings negative rather than positive consequences in the whole process of teaching and learning,” he said.

He, therefore, said that the campaign was committed to seeing a school culture that ensured a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

Meanwhile, the representative of the Technical Working Group of the action plan, Mr Noah Ashibi said that over 62% boys and 59% girls were reported to have experienced some form of physical abuse such as corporal punishment in schools and at home.

Ashibi, who is also an Assistant Director, TRCN, Cross River Coordinator, said that the findings had huge implications for children’s right to education in Nigeria and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4.

‘ Nigeria is presently struggling with a large number of out-of-school children, a phenomenon which, in large, is attributable to the various forms of violence affecting children.

” In a recent survey of learners, teachers, parents and traditional leaders in the northern Nigeria, 62% of learners reported experiencing various forms of corporal punishment such as flogging, slapping, kicking, frog jump and other physical violence.

“Over half of the respondents identified teachers as the main perpetrators of corporal punishment.

“These violent discipline practices persist the large body of research that acknowledges the physical, emotional, developmental and psychological harm that they inflict on children.

He, however, called for serious action from all stakeholders to eradicate this practice from schools.

In the same vein, the Policy Advisor, Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Mrs Odinakachi Ahanonu called for a strong synergy in ensuring that the plan contributed to ending corporal punishment in schools.

Highlights of the event was a call to action at federal, state local governments and schools levels to create awareness on the dangers if corporal punishment coordinated at all levels.

Other actions was to develop and implement a policy framework focusing on ending corporal punishment in schools, among others. (NAN)

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, says 85 per cent of Nigerian children between the ages of 1 and 14 experience violent discipline in schools, with nearly 1 in 3 children experiencing severe physical punishment.

UNICEF Chief of Education, Saadhna Panday-Soobrayan, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday, at a two-day National Awareness Creation Meeting on Ending Corporal Punishment in schools, organised by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, TRCN, in collaboration with UNICEF.

Panday-Soobrayan described the discussion on ending corporal punishment in schools as “difficult and heart-breaking,” stating however that the presence of participants at the meeting was a testament to Nigeria’s determination to uphold every child’s right to safety, well-being and quality, inclusive education.

“Yesterday we confronted the harrowing reality that 85% of children between the
ages of 1 and 14 in Nigeria experience violent discipline, with nearly 1 in 3 children experiencing severe physical punishment. This is a staggering statistic colleague one that demands urgent action and is indicative of a crisis!

“Much of this violent discipline takes place in the form of corporal punishment in the very institutions that are entrusted to keep children safe, develop respect for human rights and prepare them for life in a society that promotes understanding peace, and conflict resolution through dialogue,” she said.

According to her, the persistence of these practices contradicts Nigeria’s National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, which commits to zero-tolerance to any threat to the security of life and property in schools.

Panday-Soobrayan also noted that the practice is “stalling Nigeria’s progress toward SDG 3 to ensure good health and well-being, SDG 4 on equitable and inclusive quality education and target 16.2 (to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children).”

She said that the impact of corporal punishment on children is devastating, she said children are left with both physical and psychological wounds.

She further stated that “physical punishment causes not only pain, sadness, fear, shame, and
anger but is also linked with children’s hyperreactivity to stress, changes in brain structure and function, and overloaded nervous, cardiovascular, and nutritional systems. Spanking, just like more severe abuse, is linked to atypical brain function.”

“The damage is not only acute, affecting their learning in the current moment, but also chronic. A large body of research links physical punishment with long-term disability or death; mental ill-health; impaired cognitive and socio-emotional development; school dropout and poorer academic and occupational outcomes; increased antisocial behaviour, aggression, and criminal behaviour in adulthood; and damaged relationships through its intergenerational transmission.”

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who congratulated UNICEF and TRCN, said the action plan would improve enrollment, retention, transition and completion in education.

Adamu, represented by the Director, Senior Secondary Education Department, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, said this at the National Awareness Creation Meeting on Ending Corporal Punishment in Schools.

According to him, we are beginning to see a global change of how corporal punishment is considered, and now it is easier to see that it is not effective and that there are alternatives.

” The Federal Ministry of Education therefore endorse this plan to serve as a roadmap for ending corporal punishment in schools in line with the Child’s Right Act passed into law in 2003.

” It will help to protect children’s right to a life of violence,” he said.

The Registrar, TRCN, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye said that learning and safety could no longer be thought of as separate entities, hence the need to build a safe education to build back a better and safer children.

Ajiboye called for more effort to educate parents and teachers on the implication of corporal punishment as well as the alternatives that were available to them.

According to him, good school discipline depend not only on non-violent responses to poor students behaviour, but on skilled and properly trained teachers.

” Globally, there is a paradigm shift from corporal punishment in schools because of its effect on pupils.

” It has been proven to be ineffective, dangerous and an unacceptable method of controlling and maintaining behaviour and discipline.

” This is because it brings negative rather than positive consequences in the whole process of teaching and learning,” he said.

He, therefore, said that the campaign was committed to seeing a school culture that ensured a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

Meanwhile, the representative of the Technical Working Group of the action plan, Mr Noah Ashibi said that over 62% boys and 59% girls were reported to have experienced some form of physical abuse such as corporal punishment in schools and at home.

Ashibi, who is also an Assistant Director, TRCN, Cross River Coordinator, said that the findings had huge implications for children’s right to education in Nigeria and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4.

‘ Nigeria is presently struggling with a large number of out-of-school children, a phenomenon which, in large, is attributable to the various forms of violence affecting children.

” In a recent survey of learners, teachers, parents and traditional leaders in the northern Nigeria, 62% of learners reported experiencing various forms of corporal punishment such as flogging, slapping, kicking, frog jump and other physical violence.

“Over half of the respondents identified teachers as the main perpetrators of corporal punishment.

“These violent discipline practices persist the large body of research that acknowledges the physical, emotional, developmental and psychological harm that they inflict on children.

He, however, called for serious action from all stakeholders to eradicate this practice from schools.

In the same vein, the Policy Advisor, Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA), Mrs Odinakachi Ahanonu called for a strong synergy in ensuring that the plan contributed to ending corporal punishment in schools.

Highlights of the event was a call to action at federal, state local governments and schools levels to create awareness on the dangers if corporal punishment coordinated at all levels.

Other actions was to develop and implement a policy framework focusing on ending corporal punishment in schools, among others. (NAN)