ASA Progressive YOUTH FORUM

Professor Adaramaja, You Were Once a Teacher Why Humiliate Your Own?

By: Abdulkadir Shaffi Idowu

In a recent and deeply troubling incident, reports have surfaced that Professor Adaramaja, the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), instructed teachers to sweep and pick up litter in front of their students. For many in the education community, this act has sparked outrage, disappointment, and reflection on what leadership and dignity in education truly mean.

Professor Adaramaja is not just any public servant he is a professor, a former teacher, and someone who has benefitted from the noble profession of teaching. One would expect that his leadership would reflect empathy, respect, and an understanding of the challenges teachers face daily. Instead, this action if confirmed represents a disturbing misuse of authority and a public humiliation of those who form the backbone of our education system. Professor Adaramaja, please remember, power is temporary, but the impact of your actions lasts forever. You were once in their shoes. Don’t forget what it felt like to stand before a class with pride. Don’t destroy that pride for others.

Teachers are not janitors. They are nation builders, mentors, and the intellectual foundation upon which society stands. To compel them to perform menial tasks in front of their students is not only degrading but also sends a dangerous message, that educators can be disrespected and demeaned without consequence, what lesson does this teach the children who watched their teachers their role models being treated in such a manner? Professor, you of all people should know better. Leadership is not about intimidating or embarrassing those beneath you. It’s about inspiring them. You could have led by example called for cleanliness campaigns, encouraged students to join hands with their teachers but instead, you chose public humiliation. Respect for authority, or contempt for the teaching profession?

True leadership is not about exerting power; it is about inspiring respect and dignity. A true leader uplifts others, especially those who look up to him. If discipline or cleanliness was the goal, there are better ways to enforce it through teamwork, student engagement, or the creation of a cleaner school culture not through humiliation.

Professor Adaramaja, as a former teacher yourself, you know the pride and struggles that come with standing in front of a classroom. You understand what it means to nurture young minds. Therefore, it is painful to see a man of such academic standing choose embarrassment over encouragement.

This incident should serve as a wake-up call to all leaders in education and beyond: leadership must never be divorced from humanity. The respect you give to those under you defines the quality of your leadership far more than the authority you command.

Our teachers deserve dignity and honor, not disgrace and humiliation.

Shaffi Idowu write from Ilorin East Local government ilorin Kwara State.