Amid growing alarm over the pervasive bullying epidemic in some Nigerian schools, parents and stakeholders have issued a clarion call for urgent and coordinated action to safeguard the Nigerian students.
In recent years, bullying has emerged as a pervasive issue within school environment in Nigeria, affecting not only the immediate well-being of victims but also their academic performance, mental health and sense of safety.
Mostly, the problem of bullying often goes beyond mere teasing or conflicts among peers, but can manifest in forms such as intimidation, harassment and exclusion, leaving a lasting emotional scars on victims
As the incidents continue to plague Nigerian schools, stakeholders have emphasised that bullying not only inflicts immediate harm on its victims but also has long-lasting consequences, including mental health issues, academic underachievement, and even suicide.
Their concern follows the recent bullying incident in the Lead British International School, Abuja, which has brought to the fore the rising cases of bullying in Nigerian secondary schools.
It would be recalled that in one of the viral videos, a female student was slapped repeatedly by another female student over her refusal to answer inappropriate questions about school relationship.
While this was going on, some of her colleagues watched and recorded the dastardly act. In another one, a male student was beaten by another student.
Following public outcry over the ugly incident, the school was shut temporarily by the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye.
Aside that, there are many reported cases of bullying which has continued to threatened the future of school children. Previously, Sylvester Oromoni, a student of Dowen College, Lagos, who reportedly died in November 30, 2021 following multiple injuries associated with bullying by his senior colleagues.
From what the victim told his parents before death, he was beaten by a cult group in the school and fed with a chemical for refusing to
They, therefore, said urgent intervention is needed to provide support to affected students, enforce strict anti-bullying policies, and foster a culture of empathy and respect within Nigerian school communities.
A parent, Chris Aba, said the implications of bullying cannot be overstated as it erodes trust, fosters fear, and perpetuates cycles of violence and aggression.
According to him, if left unchecked, it can have devastating consequences for individuals, schools, and society as a whole.”
He said, “The prevalence of bullying in schools is alarming and demands immediate attention from all stakeholders. It is a disturbing trend that not only affects the victims directly but also undermines the overall safety and well-being of the school community.
“The troubling reality of bullying in schools cannot be ignored. It is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach, including proactive prevention strategies, effective intervention measures, and ongoing support for both victims and perpetrators,” he added.
On her part, an educationist Hauwa Collins said the levels of bullying in schools highlight systemic failures that must be addressed urgently.
She said; “Every child has the right to feel safe and supported in their learning environment, and it is our responsibility as educators and policymakers to ensure that this fundamental right is upheld.”
“The worrisome rise in bullying incidents underscores the need for proactive measures to address this pressing issue. We cannot afford to be complacent or indifferent when it comes to protecting our children from harm.”
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