The 11-man committee set up by the Kwara State government to investigate the torture meted out to some students of Misbaudeen Arabic school, Ganmo, on Monday submitted its report to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq in Ilorin.
Presenting the report to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday, chairman of the committee and former Grand Kadi of the state Justice Idris Haroon said their recommendations included an appeal to the government to immediately set up the Arabic Board to regulate the activities of Arabic and Islamic schools.
The Committee said it frowns at the magnitude and manner in which the punishment was carried out at the Arabic school.
He said, “steps must be taken to ensure that corrective measures are moderate and better implemented,” according to a statement by the governor’s spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye, in Ilorin on Monday.
“One of the most important recommendations which the committee wants your Excellency to pay attention to, is the reconstitution of the Arabic Education Board, as the immediate solution to most of the problems confronting Arabic schools in the state,” Justice Haroon stated.
The chairman, said altogether, the committee had 13 sittings, nine of it at the Conference Hall, Kwara State Ministry of Energy, Ilorin, one at the premises of Misbaudeen Arabic school, Ganmo and three in other places within the community.
He said in the course of the sittings, the committee interacted with the management, staff and students of the school.
It also held sessions with the parents/guardians of the five affected students and some members of the host community.
Responding, Governor Abdulrazaq, commended the committee for accepting the call to serve the people of the state and assured that the government will study and implement the report for the benefits of the society, including setting up the Arabic board.
He said the state government understood the delicate nature of the issues involved, hence experts in the field were invited to look into the issue.
“We are glad that within the very short period, you have come with your report,” the governor added.
JomogNews Nigeria recalls that the committee was set up following the torture meted out to five students of the school including a female, by the principal for allegedly organizing and participating in a birthday party where alcohol was freely served and consumed.
The video footage of their punishment went viral, attracting wide range condemnations from Nigerians far and near.
