Ending the practice of corporal punishment in Nigeria: a call for progress and dignity

Abstract

Corporal punishment is a prevalent form of discipline in Nigerian schools, despite international and national efforts to protect children's rights. Rooted in cultural norms and traditional practices, physical punishment is widely accepted by parents, educators, and community leaders as an effective disciplinary tool. It has remained deeply ingrained in Nigerian schools, with significant attention paid to its prevalence, detrimental effects, and the sociocultural factors that perpetuate its use. We conducted a literature review of 57 studies published over the past two decades, revealing alarmingly high rates of corporal punishment across different regions of Nigeria, with Northern Nigeria reporting the highest prevalence (85%) and Southern Nigeria the lowest (70%). Younger students, particularly those in primary school, are most frequently subjected to such disciplinary measures. Common forms include caning (60%), slapping (45%), and flogging (25%), all of which have significant physical, psychological, and emotional impacts - ranging from injuries to increased anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Traditional beliefs and societal attitudes normalize these practices, complicating the enforcement of protective laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015. Our analysis underscores the pressing need for concerted efforts to eliminate corporal punishment in Nigerian schools. We recommend strengthening legal reforms, promoting alternative disciplinary approaches, engaging communities to shift cultural norms, and implementing effective monitoring mechanisms. By fostering positive discipline practices, Nigerian schools can create a safe and supportive environment that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of children.

Keywords: children’s rights; corporal punishment; digital platforms; international collaboration; positive parenting.

Figure 1.

PRISMA flow diagram illustrating the process of study selection.

Figure 2.

Instances of corporal punishment in Nigerian schools.

Figure 3.

Aftermath of corporal punishment on female students.

Figure 4.

Principal administering corporal punishment for tardiness.

Figure 5.

Students punished for lateness in an inverted and physically straining position.