The Federal Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to eliminating bullying in schools, intensifying the nationwide implementation of the National Policy on Anti-Bullying to ensure that every Nigerian child learns in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.
The renewed commitment was reinforced at the One-Day Sensitisation Workshop for Students and Teachers on the National Policy on Anti-Bullying and the Effects of Bullying, organised by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
The workshop highlighted the commitment of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, to protecting learners by strengthening school safety, promoting students’ mental well-being and ensuring that every school remains a secure environment where teaching and learning can flourish.
The Ministry noted that sustained sensitisation, stronger partnerships and effective implementation of the National Policy on Anti-Bullying have already contributed to a reduction in reported bullying cases across schools.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary, Hon. Olajuwon Rasaq Akinyemi, described bullying as a serious threat to students’ academic performance, emotional well-being and overall development. She said the National Policy on Anti-Bullying provides clear guidelines for preventing, identifying and addressing bullying across all levels of education.
She urged students to embrace the campaign message, “If you see something, say something,” stressing that victims and witnesses should promptly report incidents to teachers, head teachers or school administrators without fear. She noted that many victims remain silent because of intimidation, allowing emotional trauma and poor learning outcomes to persist.
According to her, sustained awareness campaigns by the Federal Ministry of Education and UBEC have empowered school authorities to respond swiftly to reported incidents, while offenders will continue to face appropriate disciplinary measures in line with school regulations, including suspension or expulsion where necessary. She also urged parents to reinforce positive values at home and guard against harmful behavioural influences.
Earlier, the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Mr. Adeniji Ibrahim, represented at the workshop by a Deputy Director Mr Balogun Oloruntoba, acknowledged that bullying had become a major concern in schools but expressed confidence that the interventions introduced by the Federal Ministry of Education were already yielding positive results. He stressed that no child can learn effectively in an environment where they feel unsafe, threatened or psychologically distressed, and called on all stakeholders to remain committed to creating secure learning environments where every learner can achieve their full potential.
Delivering the keynote presentation, the Executive Director of Sustainable Solutions for Youths and the Vulnerable Initiative (SSYVI), Mrs. Ayotola Ilori, identified physical, verbal, social and cyberbullying as the major forms of bullying and warned that they leave lasting emotional, psychological and academic consequences on victims. She urged students to become “upstanders rather than bystanders,” emphasising that early reporting, supporting victims and collective action are essential to ending bullying in schools.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the African Principals Conference Initiative (APCI), Mr. Ayodele Joseph, commended the Federal Ministry of Education and UBEC for sustaining national anti-bullying advocacy. He highlighted APCI’s collaboration with stakeholders through seminars, debates, school outreach programmes and the National Convention Against Bullying, while announcing plans to expand the National Anti-Bullying Pledge and strengthen student and teacher ambassador initiatives nationwide.
Representing the World Bank Education Team, Ms. Elice Elegbe applauded the Federal Ministry of Education for strengthening policies and institutional frameworks that protect learners. She encouraged students to uphold positive values, defend vulnerable peers and continue serving as ambassadors for safer and more inclusive schools.
The sensitisation workshop brought together students and teachers from schools across the Federal Capital Territory as representatives of over 41 million learners nationwide, reinforcing the shared responsibility of government, schools, parents, development partners and communities in preventing bullying and promoting safe, inclusive and learner-friendly schools across Nigeria.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed that it will continue to deepen stakeholder engagement, strengthen reporting mechanisms and ensure the effective implementation of the National Policy on Anti-Bullying as part of its commitment to delivering quality education under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations
