The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has ordered Federal Government College principals to address rising cases of bullying in the schools.
Tunji Alausa said it was shameful that bullying has grown exponentially in Nigerian schools, private and public schools alike.
He stated this on Wednesday, during a meeting with Unity Schools principals. He informed the principals about existing global policies and programs aimed at preventing bullying, including cyberbullying and all forms of violence, noting that the measures need to be implemented immediately in schools.
“It is no secret that bullying in Nigerian schools, both private and public, has grown exponentially in recent years. This shameful act has no place in our schools, workplaces, or society,” he said.
Alausa emphasized the importance of discipline, not just for students, but for teachers, principals, and parents as well.
“All must abide by the rules, regulations, and sanctions of our education system. Anyone involved in covering up a case of bullying, violence, or any incident that violates these rules and regulations will face the full force of the law,” he stated.
He stated that the ministry is working closely with the Attorney General’s office to develop a comprehensive national policy on bullying, which would be presented at an emergency meeting of the National Council of Education in Q1 2025.
He assured the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that every child in Nigeria has access to a safe and conducive learning environment.
“While we already have the Safe Schools Act in place, the new policy will build upon existing legal frameworks. We will collaborate with our subnational governments to ensure a unified national approach to tackling bullying and maintaining discipline in all schools across the country,” he noted.
The Minister of Education added that it is only through collaborative efforts that the nation can have a school environment where every child feels safe, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.