Stakeholders Urge Strict Enforcement of Anti-Bullying Policies in Nigerian Schools
Amid escalating cases of bullying among students across Nigeria, stakeholders have issued a strong call for schools, caregivers, and educational institutions to rigorously enforce anti-bullying policies to combat this pervasive issue. The urgent appeal was made during a consultative dialogue on anti-bullying organized by International Alert, where participants highlighted the critical need for schools to strengthen inclusive policies and adopt a zero-tolerance stance toward bullying.
Collective Action and Policy Enforcement
Participants at the dialogue emphasized that parents and guardians must play a pivotal role by fostering open communication, empathy, and moral guidance at home. They warned that persistent bullying exposes young people to severe consequences, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal. In some instances, victims may turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism, exacerbating the problem.
A representative of the Federal Ministry of Education, Abel Enitan, represented by Assistant Director (Gender) Augustina Apakasa, disclosed that the ministry has established reporting channels under its anti-bullying framework. She stated, "At the Implementation Committee on Anti-Bullying in the Federal Ministry of Education, we have a hotline that you can call. For calls, you can reach us on 09012660044, while another line is available for messages. You can also send emails to [email protected]. Once we receive your complaints, action will be taken."
Alarming Statistics and Global Context
The Programme Manager of International Alert, Sunday Jimoh, who represented the Country Director, expressed deep concern over the alarming rate of bullying in Nigeria and globally. He noted that bullying is not confined to schools but occurs in various spheres of society, including sports. Jimoh remarked, "In fact, Nigeria's president is one of the most bullied presidents in the world. So bullying doesn't just reside in school but in sports, in every sphere of society. Today's event brings experts in this field to discuss what has been done by government, by schools, by key stakeholders, see where the gaps are, explore what is important to put on the table, to bring all hands on deck to address these issues."
Jimoh further mentioned that their aim is to galvanize more support by involving civil society, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), donors, and government agencies to address the menace and identify existing gaps.
Expert Insights and Data Findings
Dr. Margaret Ebubedike, a Senior Research Fellow in International Education and Development at the Open University, UK, presented data revealing that bullying remains widespread across Sub-Saharan Africa, affecting between 27 percent and 50 percent of children. She pointed out that Nigeria's situation appears even more severe, with more than half of secondary school students reporting experiences of bullying. Dr. Ebubedike posited that tackling bullying requires a collective response involving parents, educators, policymakers, and communities. "We must come together to think creatively and collaboratively about solutions," she urged.
Similarly, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Bello, described bullying as a violation of human rights and called for zero-tolerance policies in schools, stronger parental guidance, and community-driven advocacy.
Link to Substance Abuse and Preventive Measures
The representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs. Henrietta HoldGod, noted that substance abuse among young people is often linked to emotional trauma, including bullying. She stressed that preventive efforts must address such root causes, explaining that victims of bullying are more likely to experience psychological distress and may resort to drug use. According to her, creating safer school environments is critical to building healthier and more resilient communities.
System-Level Integration and Implementation
A Behavioral Change Communication expert, Ms. Ayotola Ilori, highlighted that 32 percent of Nigerians aged 12 to 17 have experienced bullying, while 85 percent were either victims, perpetrators, or both. Ilori stressed that policy development alone is insufficient, emphasizing the need for system-level integration to ensure effective implementation, particularly in secondary schools across the country.
This comprehensive dialogue underscores the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to combat bullying, involving enforcement of policies, parental involvement, and community support to safeguard the well-being of students in Nigeria.
