Nigeria Launches Renewed Anti-Bullying Campaign in Schools

The Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), has initiated a renewed anti-bullying campaign during a one-day sensitization workshop held in Abuja. The campaign aims to address the issue of bullying in schools, with the government warning that students found bullying their peers could face sanctions ranging from suspension to expulsion.

Rasaq Olajuwon, the Deputy Executive Secretary of UBEC, urged students to break the culture of silence by reporting bullying incidents, emphasizing that early reporting could prevent lasting emotional and psychological harm. He noted that sustained awareness campaigns have contributed to a decline in reported bullying cases.

Ayotola Ilori, the Executive Director of Sustainable Solutions for Youths and the Vulnerable Initiative (SSYVI), delivered the keynote address, identifying verbal, physical, social, and cyberbullying as prevalent forms of bullying and highlighting their detrimental effects on victims and school communities. Ilori called for stronger collaboration among various stakeholders to safeguard schools.