NYSC Withdraws Corps Members From Kwara School Over Assault On Female Corps Member
The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has withdrawn all corps members serving at Government Day Secondary School, Kulende, Ilorin, in Ilorin East Local Government Area of Kwara State, following the alleged assault of a female corps member by teachers of the school.
It was gathered that the corps member had visited the school to collect her monthly clearance letter when she was attacked for allegedly failing to greet a teacher properly.
Eyewitnesses told Aiyekooto Reporters that a teacher tore the corps member’s NYSC white crested vest, while another teacher allegedly joined in the attack and slapped her.
The NYSC, in response to the incident, ordered the immediate withdrawal of all corps members posted to the school pending investigation and resolution of the matter.
What The Law Says
The action of the teachers, if established, constitutes criminal assault under the law.
In Kwara State, which operates the Penal Code Law, assault is a criminal offence under Section 265 of the Penal Code. The law defines assault as the use of force against another person without lawful justification. Under Section 267, assault is punishable with imprisonment for up to one year or with a fine, or both.
Where the assault involves grievous hurt, tearing of clothes, or humiliation of a public servant on duty, it may attract more severe punishment.
Furthermore, the NYSC Act protects corps members as federal government personnel on national service. Any assault on a corps member on account of her official duties can be prosecuted as assault on a person performing public duty.
Beyond criminal liability, the teachers involved are also liable to serious administrative sanctions by the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM, including suspension, query, demotion, or dismissal from service for gross misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a public officer.
A source close to Aiyekooto Reporters confirmed that serious sanctions and prosecution for assault cannot be ruled out against the teachers found culpable after investigation.
Efforts to get official reactions from the State Ministry of Education and the NYSC State Secretariat as of press time were ongoing.
