Discipline Beyond the Classroom: A Nigerian Perspective

Should a teacher’s role end inside the classroom? Here in Nigeria, this question is not just some theory. It lives in our streets, markets, bus stops, and estates. Many of us grew up hearing stories of teachers who could discipline a student with just a look, even outside school hours. Some were respected. Some were feared. And some, sadly, crossed lines. But that was long time ago.

Anyone who have attended their primary to secondary school in Nigeria are mostly likely to know this stereotype: “That teacher wey if see you for road, you go behave.” meaning you can't see a teacher outside school and not respect yourself in whatever you're doing. Even parents backed it up with, “If your teacher catches you, she'll flog you.” to keep them in check at home.

Back then, teachers were seen as moral guardians (a lot of them do this part of their job so well too) and not just academic instructors. But today, the conversation has changed, society has changed, students have changed, and even without others bringing it up, teachers are now asking: Is it still safe to intervene outside school premises? Because they are seeing these things.

I remember when I was in school, there was one particular teacher who was feared even beyond the school gates. You could see him at the junction or in the market, and students would instantly straighten up. Not because he was violent, but because he stood for disciplined standards that rubbed off on his students, even the whole school through morning assemblies.

Inside the classroom, his teaching skills were top-notch. He explained patiently, demanded excellence, and made learning feel serious without being boring. I wasn't good at his subject but I became better in the subject before I left the school because outside the classroom, his presence alone reminded me that actions mattered everywhere, not just within the school.

Looking back now, I believe teachers like him played a major role in grounding students, both educationally and socially. Until today’s students who are exposed to too much, social media pressure, peer influence, and the reduced parental supervision. Discipline, when done right, helps shape the character, not just the grades.

So, should a teacher’s role end inside the classroom? I don’t think so.

Teachers are hired to teach, quite alright but that also means teaching everything that will shape minds for a better society. If a teacher sees a pupil misbehaving outside school hours, guiding or correcting them should not automatically be seen as overstepping. Sometimes, a simple warning, advice, or reminder of values can just make the big difference in that pupil's life later.

But considering our world today where danger is in every sector, situation or gathering. Nigeria today is not Nigeria twenty years ago, even mere saying some words wrongly could easily escalate to something else. Kids are more cunny that they could make the teacher look bad or actually harm the teacher, some teachers could hurt the kid while trying to make corrections, it's a hard one.

While corrections are never out of style, it doesn't always have to be punishment and I think this is where the teacher could get it wrong and make a noble act escalate to an issue. I still can't forget a few teachers who are unkind in carrying out their duties, even within school premises. Shouting, humiliating, and using raw insults on children.

Guidance, calm correction, and knowing when to involve parents or school authorities is key. Sometimes, the best action is a firm warning and other times, it is walking away. Teachers deserve respect, protection, and support, but they also carry a responsibility to act wisely. Their influence is powerful, and when used correctly, it shapes. So no, a teacher’s role shouldn’t be limited to the classroom but not without caution.