An episode with Sir Akaeze
1011 Words
I was in jss 2 in Allwell International Academy Onne, Eleme, Rivers State. I was a robust twelve year old kid marked out for my academic brilliance and natural intrepidity. I was unapologetically strong willed and vivacious. I was unafraid of so many things my mates were afraid of. I was also a votary of sports, especially football and table tennis. As a matter of fact, I was the defacto captain of my class. No one could ever challenged that. The one uniqueness of this period of my life was my abilty to become a nonpareil, distinguished both in the world of sports and academics. I wanted to be an educated football star. I wanted to play for Manchester united on my graduation from the University. I didn't like the idea of footballers not going to school. I was very good at football that people were always amazed when they did discovered I excelled in academics too.
In my school, Allwell International Academy corporal punishment was the most acclaimed method of disciplining students. The entire teaching and non teaching staff of the school were masters of the cane. Caning was the easiest method of disciplining an erring student. I can still remember the day one Chidimma was forcibly laid on a wooden table with her both hands tied together and her legs held by some boys. She was lashed mercilessly for reasons I can't quite remember now. It was an obscene scene, draconian in all ramifications.
In my school, one could be barred from taking a term test or examination for non_ payment of fees, be it tuition, exam fee, continuous Assessment report fee etc. There were times we paid for Sanitation and P.T.A fee. In my primary five, there was a time we paid certain amount as punishment for using vernacular in class. The money realized was used at the end of the term to purchase some items for the class.
This particular period we were paying for something I can't quite remember now. The payment was specified for a period and nonpayment within the time would attract punishment. I was so intentional about not paying this money that I don't remember telling my dad about it. I was furious with all of those petty payments and assured myself I wasn't going to pay this particular one.
The last day for the payment is a day I will never forget. I went to school prepared. Mischievously, I chose not to be on my school uniform on that day. I padded my butt 4 to 6 shorts and then shrouded them in a glossy blue jean which I rarely wore. My buttocks bulged and everyone knew l wore many knickers.
Sir Akaeze was dreaded for his flair for caning students. It was as though agonizing the students gave him s****l o****m. Some students have had reasons to lay curses on the black satin textured Ogoni man. Akaeze was hated.
Akaeze didn't mind I was on mufti. We were lined up in front of the class and those who had paid were asked to go back to their seats. When it was my turn, Akaeze didn't cane me on my butt. He swatted the smooth cane on my back and every part of my torso. It was quick and painful. I lost my mind. I was enraged and made to attack him. By now, I was letting out the salty trickles. I didn't care for anything and was ready to set the school on fire. I jerked off the class and right there and vociferously swore with my whole life that I would rather die than to pay that money.
It was unprecedented for a student to do that. Everyone were lost in consternation. The principal was nonplussed. I was mad and ready to take on anyone. The principal instructed a senior student to get me. I didn't not bolt because I was really angry and humiliated. I went in with the senior because he approached me in a manner that presupposed he understood my animus and felt sorry for me. Nothing happened afterwards. I was knelt down at the principal's office until I was dismissed.
By the time Akaeze came to our class again for the same money I had been transformed. I gave up the whole idea of not paying the money. I would pay the money but I wouldn't lose my pride. I schemed a plan to do this.
I went to school with the money but instead of paying directly when Akaeze came to our class, I gave the money to sweet Gloria. She was to pay on my behalf as a concerned friend. I knew Akaeze came to our class for another showdown with me. Glory stood up and told the class she would pay for me and that was it. She paid and everyone was fine.
Sir Akaeze was a strong man back then but we didn't like him. Many of the students cursed him for making their studentship miserable while others prayed something bad happened to him and his family. The last time I spoke with one of my classmate who is still in Port Harcourt she told me Akaeze was no longer at Allwell International Academy.
Don't know where he's now but he's never my ideal teacher.
Corporal punishment is one thing I despise. There's more to engaging a child or children as the case may be into dialogue. This part of the world has this belief that a child has not been disciplined if that child has not been brutally whooped. Unfortunately, whooping the child doesn't change the mind of the child as it is the main goal of the act.
My sole advice and prayer is that the society revolutionalizes from this archaic and draconic system to a more civilized way of compelling discipline in children.
And this my friends is the story of a wonderful person, he goes by the name Kingsley Mgbe.
Hope you enjoyed this story and until the next episode, always make good choices and stay safe.
Peace.
- Writer
