The Federal Ministry of Education today inaugurated a 21-member committee tasked with developing a National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Nigerian schools and its accompanying implementation guidelines.
The event, held at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, marked a significant step towards ensuring a safer learning environment for students nationwide.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, described bullying as a pervasive issue affecting students’ physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
He said: “Bullying, in all its forms—physical violence, verbal abuse, cyberbullying, and social exclusion—has far-reaching consequences that hinder students’ educational growth and personal development.”
He emphasised the urgency of creating a comprehensive framework to address the root causes of bullying, which include inadequate reporting mechanisms and a culture of silence in schools.
The committee’s mandate includes reviewing existing policies, consulting stakeholders, drafting a national anti-bullying framework, and establishing mechanisms for reporting and intervention.
With representation from key organisations such as the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and civil society groups, the committee is expected to deliver a draft policy and implementation guidelines within three weeks.
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, underscored the importance of leveraging technology and best practices in addressing governance challenges within the education sector.
She highlighted the need for transparency, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building to ensure successful policy implementation.
Professor Ahmad linked these efforts to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises educational transformation as a driver of national development.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, represented by Dr Ejeh A. Usman, Director of Polytechnics Education and Allied Institutions, also commended the initiative, describing it as a proactive measure to tackle bullying, particularly in federal and boarding schools.
He noted the prevalence of bullying in unsupervised spaces such as hostels and dining halls and praised the ministry’s leadership for prioritising student welfare.
In her vote of thanks, the committee chairperson, Mrs. Anigbogu Juju, who is the Director of Education Planning, Research and Development, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to this critical mission.
“The Federal Ministry of Education has a zero-tolerance stance on bullying, and we are committed to delivering a robust and comprehensive policy within the stipulated timeframe,” she said.
The Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Folasade Boriowo, said the inauguration reflected the ministry’s commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment across Nigeria, ensuring that students can thrive without fear or intimidation.
