The Federal Government has stepped up the enforcement of its National Policy on Anti-Bullying, warning that students found bullying their peers could face sanctions ranging from suspension to expulsion as authorities intensify efforts to make Nigerian schools safer.
The renewed campaign was unveiled on Wednesday at a one-day sensitisation workshop organised by the Federal Ministry of Education in partnership with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), bringing together students, teachers and education stakeholders in Abuja.
Leading the campaign, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, represented by the Commission's Deputy Executive Secretary, Hon. Rasaq Olajuwon, said bullying continues to undermine students' academic performance, mental health and overall well-being, making stronger enforcement of the national policy imperative.
He urged students to break the culture of silence by reporting every incident of bullying, stressing that early reporting could prevent lasting emotional and psychological harm.
"If you see something, say something. You can report without being noticed. Walk to your teacher or head teacher and report what is happening," he told participants.
According to him, the National Policy on Anti-Bullying provides practical guidelines for preventing, identifying and addressing bullying from primary schools to universities, while school administrators have been empowered to respond promptly whenever incidents are reported.
Olajuwon disclosed that sustained awareness campaigns by the Federal Ministry of Education and UBEC have already contributed to a noticeable decline in reported bullying cases across schools. He warned that students who violate the policy would face disciplinary measures in line with school regulations, including suspension and expulsion.
He also called on parents to reinforce positive values at home, saying the growing influence of social media and negative behavioural trends has contributed to the erosion of discipline among young people.
Delivering the keynote address, Executive Director of Sustainable Solutions for Youths and the Vulnerable Initiative (SSYVI), Ayotola Ilori, described bullying as a growing challenge with far-reaching consequences for victims, perpetrators, families and entire school communities.
She identified verbal, physical, social and cyberbullying as the most common forms of the menace, noting that their effects include fear, anxiety, trauma, poor academic performance and unsafe learning environments.
Ilori challenged students to become "upstanders" instead of bystanders.
"Keeping quiet when someone is being bullied is part of the problem," she said, urging stronger collaboration among government, development partners, civil society organisations, the media and the private sector to safeguard schools.
Also speaking, Director-General of the African Principals Conference Initiative, Ayodele Joseph, said awareness alone would not end bullying unless schools consistently implement and monitor the National Policy on Anti-Bullying.
Joseph revealed that his organisation had championed anti-bullying advocacy since 2019 and conducted a nationwide baseline study on bullying and violence in schools in 2023. He said another nationwide assessment would be carried out next year to measure the level of compliance with the policy across schools.
The World Bank Education Team, led by Elia Elegbe, also commended the Federal Ministry of Education for strengthening policies aimed at protecting learners and promoting safer school environments.
The workshop brought together students and teachers from schools across the Federal Capital Territory as representatives of learners nationwide to deepen awareness of the anti-bullying policy and encourage students to report abuse rather than remain silent.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to working with UBEC, school authorities, parents and other stakeholders to sustain nationwide awareness, strengthen implementation of the National Policy on Anti-Bullying and ensure that every Nigerian child learns in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.
Adeniji Samuel
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