Abuja: Stakeholders have urged students to report bullying rather than remain silent, warning that failure to speak up fuels a culture that undermines learning, mental health, and school safety. They gave the charge during a one-day sensitisation workshop for students and teachers on the National Policy on Anti-Bullying.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the workshop was organised by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). The workshop formed part of ongoing efforts by the ministry and UBEC to strengthen awareness and implementation of the National Policy on Anti-Bullying across schools in the country.
The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba, emphasized the importance of students witnessing bullying to not regard it as someone else’s problem. Reporting incidents promptly could prevent lasting psychological and academic consequences. Garba was represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary of UBEC, Olajuwon Rasaq, who highlighted the severe impacts of bullying on academic performance and mental health.
Garba noted that the National Policy on Anti-Bullying provides clear guidelines and practical steps for preventing, identifying, and addressing bullying across educational institutions, from primary school to university. She urged students to report incidents confidentially, ensuring their safety and well-being.
The need for a supportive home environment was also stressed, with Garba advising parents to reinforce moral values as family upbringing plays a crucial role in shaping children’s behavior. Concerns were raised about the erosion of societal values due to negative influences like social media and foreign lifestyles.
Mr. Ayodele Joseph, Director-General of the African Principal Conference Initiative, called for regular tracking and evaluation of the National Anti-Bullying Policy to ensure its effective implementation. Joseph emphasized that the success of the policy relies on continuous monitoring rather than mere awareness campaigns. He revealed that his organization conducted a baseline study on bullying and violence in Nigerian schools in 2023, with plans for a tracking study in March next year.
The Keynote Speaker, Ayotola Ilori, highlighted the far-reaching effects of bullying on victims, perpetrators, bystanders, families, and the school community. She urged the public to become ‘upstanders’ against bullying, advocating for open conversations to break the cycle of bullying where victims become future perpetrators.
Ilori commended the Federal Ministry of Education and UBEC for their efforts in organizing the workshop and called for greater collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, development partners, the media, and the private sector to safeguard schools. The World Bank Education Team, led by Elia Elegbe, also praised the ministry for its commitment to establishing policies and guidelines to protect young Nigerians from bullying.