Arabic School Torture: Probe Committee Submits Report To Govt

On Monday, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq in Ilorin received the report of an 11-man committee appointed by the Kwara State government to probe the abuse of several children at Misbaudeen Arabic School in Ganmo.

While presenting the report, the committee’s Chairman, retired Justice Idris Haroon, expressed displeasure with the severity and manner of the punishment at the 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 board, once established, will oversee the activities of the state’s Arabic and Islamic schools.

Justice Haroon praised the administration for taking proactive steps to address the issue.

He stated that the committee was established on October 15, 2021, and that it immediately began meeting till October 24, 2021.

The chairman stated that the committee met for a total of 13 times, nine of which were held at the Conference Hall of the Kwara State Ministry of Energy in Ilorin, one at the Misbaudeen Arabic School in Ganmo, and three at different locations within the community.

During the meetings, he added, the committee talked with the school’s management, employees, and students.

It also spoke with the parents/guardians of the five students who were affected, as well as certain members of the host community.

Governor Abdulrazaq responded by thanking the committee for accepting the call to serve the people of the state and promising that the government will analyze and execute the findings for the benefit of society, including the establishment of an Arabic board.

He stated that because the state administration recognized the sensitive nature of the issues at hand, specialists in the field were called to investigate the matter.

“We are pleased that you have submitted your report in such a short time,” the governor added.

NEWS DIRECT 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.