The Private School Tutors Union of Nigeria (PRISCTUN) has issued a blistering condemnation after a teacher at Starville School, Jahi, Abuja, was allegedly assaulted by a parent, Mr. and Mrs. Balogun, in an incident that has sparked nationwide outrage within the education community.
In a strongly worded statement signed by the Ogun State Chairman of the union, Comrade Abdullai L.O, PRISCTUN described the attack as “reprehensible, brutal, and a direct assault on the entire teaching profession.” The union said the incident occurred in full view of the couple’s child, school administrators, and staff, creating what it called “a dangerous precedent for the society.”
Quoting the adage, “Keeping quiet in the face of injustice is in itself a condemnable act of injustice,” Comrade Abdullai said the union could not remain silent after the teacher was allegedly slapped and threatened with police arrest during the confrontation.
“This violent assault is not merely an attack on an individual; it is an affront to the sanctity of our schools and a threat to the nation’s future,” the statement read. “Teachers are the guardians of our future. When a parent resorts to physical abuse, we all lose.”
PRISCTUN issued a four-point demand, calling for immediate police action against the perpetrators, a public apology to the teacher and the education community, full cooperation from the school to prevent a recurrence, and comprehensive support—medical, psychological, and legal—for the assaulted teacher, to be borne by the parents involved.
The union also criticized the practice of merely expelling students when such incidents occur, warning that “many school gates are open to embrace the scoundrel in uniform,” insisting that consequences must go beyond the child and extend to the adult offenders.
PRISCTUN urged parents, school owners, and government agencies to recommit to fostering a culture of respect within learning environments, emphasizing that disputes must be resolved through dialogue rather than violence.
“To my fellow teachers, stand tall: the union stands with you,” Abdullai affirmed, calling for public solidarity against any form of aggression targeting educators.
The statement ended with the union’s rallying declaration: “Injustice to one is an injustice to all. PRISCTUN!!! Together we excel.”
