A Critical Analysis of Retributive Punishment as a Discipline Measure in Nigeria’s Public Secondary Schools

Abstract

In recent time, students in Nigerian secondary schools engage in certain acts considered to be inimical to the health of their schools. There were cases of students who caused their mates and teachers bodily harm, and tore mates’ books and school uniform. Most school authorities in Nigeria adopt different forms of punishment including retributive punishment as a measure of punishing students for bad behaviour. This paper was particularly interested in retribution as a discipline measure to correct maladaptive behaviour among secondary schools students. The intention of most school authorities was to deter erring students from engaging in inappropriate behaviour, the choice of retribution could not be considered appropriate in this regard. It argued in favour of liberal approaches, such as using communitarian principles to control the behaviour of students, which may involve getting the students to understand how their actions may cause a blemish on their families’ cherished names. It concluded that such an approach, especially in African context, promised positive change in behaviour.

Keywords: Retributive punishment, discipline, educational situation, behavioural problem, communitarian principles.