The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, has announced plans to develop a National Policy on bullying as part of efforts to address its increasing prevalence in schools across Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja during a crucial meeting with principals of Unity Schools, Dr. Alausa emphasized that the Ministry of Justice would provide the necessary legal framework to ensure the policy is implemented effectively and in good time.
In recent years, there have been recurring incidents of bullying at various levels of the educational system, leaving victims traumatized both emotionally and physically. Addressing these concerns, Dr. Alausa highlighted that the introduction of a National Policy on bullying would provide a long-term solution to the menace, creating a safer environment for students.
The Minister revealed that an emergency meeting of the National Council on Education (NCE), the highest policymaking body on education in the country, would be convened in February next year.
The meeting will focus on developing the framework for the policy, including identifying punitive measures for perpetrators. Dr. Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to eradicating bullying, stating, “This government has zero tolerance for bullying in schools.”
In addition to formulating the National Policy, the Minister disclosed that the Federal Government is implementing other strategies to eliminate bullying and foster a safe learning environment. He urged school administrators and educators to collaborate in ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.
Also speaking at the event, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Jeddy Agba, noted that while existing laws in the Nigerian Constitution and the Child Rights Act provide some protections for children, they do not explicitly address bullying. She emphasized the need for a comprehensive legislative framework that would define and tackle bullying in its entirety.
Mrs. Agba further urged the principals of Unity Schools to strictly adhere to government policies on bullying, stressing the importance of creating a conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning.
She pointed out that school administrators have a crucial role to play in identifying and addressing bullying incidents promptly.
The meeting concluded with a strong message from both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Justice, underscoring the Federal Government’s resolve to combat bullying in schools and ensure that children can learn in a safe and supportive environment.
With the planned policy and accompanying legal measures, stakeholders remain optimistic that bullying will be significantly reduced, if not entirely eradicated, in Nigerian schools.
