Educationist Condemns Rising Trend of Expelling Students for Misbehaviour

Renowned educationist and school leader, Mr. Wisdom Koudjo Klu, has raised concerns over what he describes as the growing tendency by some school authorities to dismiss students as a solution to misbehaviour.

Speaking to The New Publisher on disciplinary practices in basic and secondary schools, Mr. Klu emphasized that dismissing learners should never be a default approach unless there is a direct threat to life.

“We all accept the fact that our students are becoming like abacuses on our necks difficult, complex, and heavy to bear at times. However, the decision to dismiss a student must be handled with caution and reflection. It is unethical and unprofessional to dismiss students except in situations where their behaviour poses a direct threat to human life” he explained.

Mr. Klu, who has served in leadership roles within the Ghana Education Service for over a decade, argued that educators are primarily agents of transformation.

According to him, dismissing students for behavioural infractions such as sneaking out of school is counterproductive and does little to shape positive character.

“Is the teacher’s role not to transform? We do not transform individuals who are already perfect. Our calling is to reform, redirect, and restore those who have gone astray. When we expel these students, where exactly are we sending them? Are we not simply releasing them into society to become nuisances, unaccountable and even more hardened?”

Mr. Klu stressed the importance of counselling, mentorship, and restorative practices in addressing indiscipline.

He noted that schools should develop multi-tiered systems of support that consider the emotional and social needs of students, rather than resorting to dismissals.

“Students who sneak out or break rules should not be dismissed. They need structured interventions-counselling, mentorship, and positive role models. School is often the last structured environment for many of these learners. To cut them off entirely is to sever their last link to hope” he added.

He further advised school administrators to resist the temptation of misinterpreting educational directives, especially regarding discipline.

“Let us not be quick to misread or misapply policies in ways that deny students their right to education and rehabilitation,” he cautioned.

Mr. Klu’s comments come in the wake of increasing public discourse over disciplinary methods used in Ghanaian schools.

While some educators argue that firm measures are needed to curb indiscipline, others believe exclusionary tactics often do more harm than good.

As Ghana moves toward inclusive and competency-based education, stakeholders like Mr. Klu continue to advocate for compassionate discipline that upholds the dignity of every learner while ensuring a safe and productive school environment.