The federal government has intensified its efforts to curb bullying in schools, declaring that students who engage in abuse or intimidation will face severe consequences. These penalties include suspension, expulsion, and public identification to discourage negative behavior.
This initiative follows a sensitization workshop in Abuja, organized by the Federal Ministry of Education and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). The event focused on the National Policy on Anti-Bullying, aiming to foster safer and more inclusive classrooms across the nation.
Hon. Razak Olajuwon, Deputy Executive Secretary of UBEC, stated that the Tinubu administration is committed to eliminating the widespread harm caused by bullying. He explained that school administrators have received authorization to enforce sanctions, noting that public identification acts as a deterrent for both students and their families.
Olajuwon urged students to abandon the culture of silence and report incidents of abuse immediately, as keeping quiet only allows the behavior to continue. He added that the ongoing awareness campaigns have already contributed to a decline in reported cases of harassment.
Ayotola Ilori, Executive Director of the Sustainable Solutions for Youths and the Vulnerable Initiative, emphasized the need for a unified national response. She encouraged students to act as defenders for their peers, noting that verbal, physical, and cyber bullying all leave lasting emotional scars.
The Africa Principals Conference Initiative also expressed its support for the campaign. Representative Ayodele Joseph confirmed that school principals are prepared to work with the government to ensure the policy is strictly enforced and that schools become safe spaces for all children.
