Federal Government of Nigeria is set to develop a National Policy on bullying to address the incessant challenges of students being bullied across Nigerian schools.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, on Wednesday during an interview with journalists in Abuja.
This is coming on heels of many cases of bullying recorded across secondary schools in the country. A development that has caused outrage from parents and Nigerians across the country.
Speaking after a meeting with principals of Federal Government Unity Colleges in Abuja, the Minister stated that the policy on bullying would be developed at the next National Council on Education.
He said, “We will not tolerate, accept any bullying in any of our schools and in our society. What we’re doing now is that we’re formalizing a policy that we will take to the highest policy-making organ in the country.”
Alausa also pointed out that a nationwide sensitization programme would be launched to educate students, teachers, and parents on the dangers of bullying and violence. He emphasized that there is the need to promote a culture of kindness and respect among the people.
The Minister emphasized on strengthening school policies. He noted that these require all secondary schools to implement strict anti-bullying policies. And to enforce disciplinary measures and establish functional guidance and counselling units.
“We as a government have zero tolerance for bullying. We got the Solicitor-General to come and talk to the principals of the schools. He will speak on what we have today as part of the law of the land to address bullying.”
After the event, the Minister explained that the gathering talked about the safe school act. And also, other existing policies and laws to tackle bullying.
He said, “We’ve been using several of these laws to come with a national policy. We in the Federal Ministry of Education have been working with the Attorney General’s office to quickly come up with that policy. And we can take this to the National Council of Education for adoption as part of our process to address bullying and discipline in society.”
The Minister also pointed out that State Governments will be carried along in the implementation of the policy. He, however, added that the Ministry had done a lot of things about instilling discipline in schools.
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