A former school director of Nigerian descent, John Olubobokun, has been found guilty in a Canadian court on multiple counts of assault for the use of a wooden paddle during disciplinary sessions at a private Christian school in Saskatoon, Canada.

The case centred around incidents that occurred between 2003 and 2007 during Olubobokun’s tenure at Christian Centre Academy, now known as Legacy Christian Academy. Several former students came forward with testimonies describing the disciplinary methods used during that period.

Canadian law prohibits the use of physical discipline that causes injury or involves any form of weapon. While Section 43 of Canada’s Criminal Code allows for reasonable correction by educators or parents, the court found that the use of a wooden paddle exceeded those limits.

During the trial, survivors described the lasting emotional impact of the disciplinary actions. The guilty verdict was seen by many of them as a step toward closure and acknowledgment of their experiences.

Olubobokun’s legal defence referenced differing cultural norms around discipline, noting that practices vary across countries. However, Canadian prosecutors argued successfully that all schools, including private religious institutions, are expected to follow the country’s legal standards and child protection policies.

This case has opened broader conversations around how cultural disciplinary norms intersect with legal frameworks in diaspora communities. Educational leaders and parents are being encouraged to explore alternative, non-physical methods of student discipline that align with international child welfare standards.

Olubobokun is currently awaiting sentencing.