Kehinde Fajobi
The Federal Ministry of Education has announced plans to launch an anonymous whistleblower platform to report cases of bullying in primary and secondary schools across Nigeria.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, expressing concern over the growing prevalence of bullying, violence, and other vices in schools.
Alausa emphasised the negative impact of these issues, stating, “Bullying and violence lead to declining academic performance, mental health challenges, dropouts, and erosion of moral values.”
Recent incidents highlight the severity of the problem. In 2024, 13 students of Federal Government College, Enugu, were suspended for bullying a colleague, while the tragic case of Sylvester Oromoni, a Lagos student who died after being bullied, remains fresh in public memory.
“To address these challenges, the Federal Ministry of Education has launched several initiatives, including a National Campaign Against School Violence, which aims to educate students, teachers, and parents on the dangers of bullying and violence,” Alausa said.
He added, “We are partnering with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to curb cultism and other criminal activities in schools.
“A dedicated helpline and online platform will be established to allow students and parents to report cases of bullying and violence anonymously.”
The minister called on parents to monitor their children’s behaviour and mental health, urging teachers and school authorities to create safe and inclusive environments and act promptly on reported cases.
Alausa also encouraged students to reject bullying, violence, and cultism and report incidents to trusted adults.
He urged the media to support the government’s efforts by raising awareness about the dangers of bullying and the importance of moral education.
The initiative is part of the ministry’s broader effort to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for all students nationwide.