A large majority of school pupils in Lagos State believe that teachers can successfully maintain classroom order without resorting to corporal punishment, according to Punch. The findings contradict persistent complaints from some educators who claim that restricting the cane has stripped them of control over learners.
The study, unveiled by the Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation, revealed that 92.7 percent of the pupils surveyed trust their instructors to enforce discipline through alternative means. The data highlights a clear difference in perspective between school staff, who fear losing their authority, and students, who insist that teachers still command enough respect to guide them properly.
Details of the research were shared in a statement issued by Onadipe Ope from the Public Affairs Unit of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency. According to the research, educators can effectively correct bad behaviour by setting fair rules, enforcing sensible consequences, involving parents, offering counselling, and keeping written records of disciplinary issues.
The findings were presented at an interactive session held for school principals, headteachers, and administrators from Education District IV at the Lagos City Senior School Hall in Sabo-Yaba. The meeting formed part of the state government's ongoing drive to enforce the Lagos State Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy alongside an official circular that bars caning in schools across the state.
Addressing the gathering, the Executive Secretary of the agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, called on school administrators to shield children from every form of violence, including caning. She stressed that maintaining classroom discipline must not compromise the dignity or safety of any pupil, advising teachers to use positive methods that foster responsibility.
During the event, a presentation led by Amelia Kentebe highlighted practical, child-centred alternatives to physical beatings. The study also advised teachers to request institutional backing when dealing with difficult situations, urging them to lead through behavioural guidance rather than physical force.
