Terror In Classrooms: Inside Nigeria’s School Bullying Menace

Nigeria’s education system has come under a dangerous surge in bullying across primary and secondary schools and universities, turning spaces meant for learning into breeding grounds for fear and trauma.

Investigations by LEADERSHIP Sunday revealed that what was once dismissed as “normal student behaviour” has spiralled into something far more sinister.

Reports of student abuse are no longer isolated, as they are multiplying—louder and more disturbing each day. Stakeholders are sounding the alarm that this is no longer a phase; it is a crisis taking root.

Nigeria has seen a string of disturbing bullying cases that refuse to fade quietly.

LEADERSHIP Sunday observed that, from brutal physical attacks to relentless verbal assaults, from vicious online harassment to coordinated intimidation, the cruelty is escalating. And behind every incident is a student left broken, silenced, withdrawn, and emotionally scarred.

This ugly and dangerous trend has forced some concerned civil society groups and other Nigerians alike to conclude that this is not just misconduct; it is a system failing its young people, and it is happening in plain sight.

Investigations by our correspondent revealed a disturbing trend: many of these abuses never see the light of day, as most victims stay silent, trapped between fear of brutal retaliation and a deep mistrust of school authorities who too often fail to act or, worse, look the other way.

As public outrage builds over the latest videos depicting extreme brutality meted out by students on fellow students, experts warn that this is no longer just about unruly students but reflects a broken system. Weak discipline, poor supervision, and almost nonexistent student support structures have created the perfect environment for bullying to flourish unchecked.

For experts, the message is urgent and uncompromising: without immediate, sweeping reforms, Nigerian schools will continue to fail the very students they are meant to protect, turning classrooms into danger zones instead of safe havens for learning.

 

Caught On Camera: Brutality No Longer Hidden

The crisis has now spilled into full public view. At Igbinedion Education Centre, Edo State, a recent chilling viral video showed older students violently attacking a younger girl, their actions as brazen as they were heartless.

The footage spread like wildfire, igniting outrage across the country. But beyond the shock lies a darker reality: bullying has mutated into something more vicious, more public, and far more damaging.

A psychologist, Mr Adams Ikepere, told LEADERSHIP Sunday:

“This is no longer whispered about in corridors or hidden behind school walls; it is now bold, brutal, and breaking young lives in real time. Nigeria can no longer look away.”

In Abuja, the nation’s capital, Lead British International School once made national headlines when videos of students repeatedly assaulting classmates went viral, sparking official investigations and public outrage. This incident exposed how privilege can sometimes shield abuse rather than stop it.

In Dowen College, Lagos, the controversial death of 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni after he was reportedly bullied fuelled nationwide debate over student safety and school accountability.

In Federal Government College, Kwali, Abuja, a tragic case was also widely reported by national media, involving a student allegedly beaten to death by a teacher under the guise of enforcing discipline.

Sadly, the cruelty does not begin in secondary schools. It often starts much earlier, in silence and fear. At Deeper Life High School, Uyo, parents once shared devastating accounts of their young children being physically abused by senior students, leaving scars on their bodies.

During the 2020/2021 session, an 11-year-old pupil, Don-Davies Archibong, alleged that he was repeatedly bullied, physically assaulted, and sexually molested by senior students while at the boarding campus in Idoro, Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

His parents claimed the abuse was linked to him being mocked and targeted because he had a bed-wetting condition, and that he was moved to a senior dormitory where he continued to be attacked.

They also accused school staff of punishing him harshly, even withholding food and using belts and other objects to beat him. The boy said the older students threatened to kill him if he reported the incidents to authorities.

Across primary and pre-nursery classrooms from Lagos to Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Kogi, Oyo, Ekiti, Cross River, and Delta states, teachers and, in fact, the adults meant to protect young minds have been accused of pinching tender skin, knocking heads, yanking ears, and hurling degrading insults at pupils they dislike, turning classrooms into places of dread rather than the pursuit of dreams.

For many children, the trauma is so severe that just seeing their school uniform now brings fear, tears, and anxiety instead of excitement.

Earlier this year in Lagos, students were ambushed on their way to school and attacked by area boys in what should have been the safest, most routine part of their day. Instead of focusing on lessons ahead, these children were forced to confront fear, violence, and the terrifying reality that even the journey to learn is no longer safe.

In Potiskum, where a crisis once turned fatal, a 17-year-old SS3 student, Hassan Ahmadu, lost his life after a reported assault by his classmates.

At Federal Government College, Enugu, another horrifying scene played out when a viral video captured older students brutalising a younger pupil, the violence delivered with chilling confidence and no fear of consequences.

Also in November 2024, 13 students were suspended for six months after a disturbing video showed a group of students attacking an SS1 day student, a development that forced the Ministry of Education to take action and launch a probe into possible involvement of external groups.

The backlash was swift, forcing suspensions and triggering a federal investigation. But for many, it felt like too little, too late, because by the time action comes, the damage is already done.

Interestingly, at Beautiful Beginning Academy (Apo, Abuja), a viral video showed an SS3 student, Imtiyas, chained by peers and allegedly bullied, sparking outrage and a debate over whether it was bullying or staged. The school publicly denied the allegations. The video was leaked on 2 December 2024, while school and police statements about the incident were reported on December 10–11, 2024.

 

How many more videos must surface before protection replaces reaction?

The case at Nawairudeen Grammar School, sometimes referred to as Nawairudeen Junior/Senior Grammar School in Solu Community, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, is another case that occurred between 2022 and 2023, with particularly violent student behaviour reported up to June 2023.

According to community reports, students in the school repeatedly harassed and physically assaulted teachers, including an incident in June 2023 when a teacher was hit by a thrown stone during end-of-term chaos, causing significant injury.

Our correspondent reports that between June 2022 and April 2023, the school recorded numerous attacks and harassment episodes involving students and staff, illustrating a long-running pattern of violence toward teachers that local authorities struggled to manage.

Another example is Nyanya Secondary School in Abuja, which has also gained notoriety for unchecked violence. Students in the school are said to frequently attack mates, teachers, and even innocent passers-by, forcing most parents to keep their children at home on the last days of exams.

A parent, Mr Patrick Ochalla, who resides close to the school, said local businesses often shut down out of safety concerns, despite the school being located close to Nyanya Police Station and Mopol 21.

He said, “Their pattern highlights a complete breakdown of discipline and law enforcement in and around the school.

“This is not a series of isolated events; it is a national emergency hiding in plain sight. The Nigerian government can no longer afford silence, excuses, or cosmetic responses.

“There must be strict enforcement of anti-bullying laws, independent oversight of every school’s disciplinary systems, mandatory child protection policies, clear reporting channels, and real consequences for abusive teachers and students alike. Anything less is complicity. Every day this is ignored, more children are being hurt, silenced, and shaped by violence instead of education, and that is unacceptable.”

 

Psychologists, parents, others warn of long-lasting impact on behaviour

Psychologists, parents, and other concerned stakeholders now warn that beyond the visible violence lies a deeper crisis of emotional trauma, noting that bullying’s psychological impact can have consequences far into the future and may affect self-esteem, school engagement, and even identity formation.

These concerns have revived calls for clearer behavioural standards, more robust enforcement of codes of conduct, and coordinated support for victims across Nigeria’s education system.

Speaking on the issue, Sanusi Faizu, a Clinical and Health Psychologist at the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, described bullying as persistent and aggressive behaviour targeted at vulnerable individuals.

He warned that its psychological impact can be profound and long-lasting.

“Bullying can impair a student’s self-concept and identity formation, leading to low self-esteem and internalised negative beliefs. It also causes social withdrawal, distrust in relationships, and difficulty forming healthy connections,” he said.

He further noted its effect on academic performance, adding that emotional disturbances are common among victims.

“Students exposed to bullying often exhibit distrust and hypervigilance in relationships, struggle with forming secure attachments, and avoid peers and social environments.

“Chronic stress from bullying disrupts memory, concentration, and overall cognitive functioning, which often results in declining academic outcomes.

“Depression, anxiety, shame, and low self-worth are frequent outcomes. In severe cases, prolonged exposure can lead to trauma-related symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder, including hypervigilance and avoidance behaviour,” he stated.

On recovery, he emphasised the need for deliberate psychological support, noting that victims must challenge negative beliefs, rebuild self-esteem through achievable goals, and develop assertiveness.

He said professional support, including therapy, may be necessary in more severe cases.

He also emphasised the critical role of teachers in prevention, noting that they must establish clear behavioural norms, closely monitor student interactions, and intervene promptly when bullying occurs. Silence from authority figures often reinforces the behaviour.

Sanusi called for stronger collaboration between schools and parents.

“Bullying is rarely confined to one environment. Effective intervention requires alignment between home and school, as well as consistent communication,” he added.

A psychologist, Oyeleke Johnson Tunde, described bullying as deliberate and repeated aggressive behaviour that leaves victims feeling unsafe and humiliated.

“It damages mental health, self-esteem, and relationships, often leading to loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

“Many begin to feel guilty or hopeless, believing the situation is their fault or that there is no escape. This emotional burden can have lasting consequences if not addressed,” he said.

Tunde said failure to tackle bullying can normalise harmful behaviour, adding that if not properly managed, it creates a culture where bullying is tolerated, making it more difficult to eliminate over time.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has also stated that existing policies in many institutions are inadequate and poorly enforced.

Speaking with our correspondent, NANS Public Relations Officer, Comrade Adeyemi Samson Ajasa, said, “Most schools do not operate a centralised or standardised disciplinary system backed by the government. Institutions often create their own codes of conduct, but these are not always effectively implemented.”

He noted that weak internal mechanisms continue to expose lapses in discipline, adding that the situation clearly shows that the structures meant to address misconduct are fragile.

According to him, in some cases, those responsible for enforcement act with bias or sentiment, undermining the process and damaging the institution’s image.

“I believe putting the necessary policies in place, alongside the right quality of people to enforce them, is very important.

“So, it is essential to have both the right policies and the right individuals to implement them effectively.”

Adeyemi stressed that effective discipline requires both strong policies and credible individuals to enforce them.

“It is not just about having rules; it is about putting people of integrity in charge. When individuals known for fairness and credibility head disciplinary panels, it becomes difficult for anyone to manipulate outcomes,” he said.

 

Widespread Reports Of Physical Teacher-Inflicted Abuse

Beyond peer-to-peer bullying, numerous parent and community reports reflect teachers physically punishing pupils with excessive force — using chargers, belts, and other implements that leave marks and emotional trauma on very young children.

On the role of teachers, he said their influence is often limited by institutional constraints and societal pressures, urging institutions to take teachers’ feedback more seriously.

“Teachers sometimes go the extra mile to discipline students, but they are often criticised or exposed to public backlash, especially on social media. This discourages firm action.

“Many teachers are aware of students’ behaviour long before management is. Schools should listen to them, act early, and, where necessary, apply firm sanctions, including expulsion, to protect the integrity of the institution,” he stated.

Addressing parents, Adeyemi called for greater vigilance, noting that they must go beyond the training they give at home and understand the behaviour their children exhibit outside.

“Peer influence is powerful, and some students live double lives, disciplined at home but disruptive in school.

“Parents should engage widely, even with their children’s peers, to get honest feedback. Behaviour always reveals itself, and proactive parents can identify and address issues before they escalate,” he noted.

Adeyemi also stressed the growing influence of negative role models, where students begin to idolise social media personalities without values.

He advocated for structured mentorship programmes across schools.

“Students need positive figures to look up to. Mentorship helps shape character, guide decisions, and reduces the likelihood of harmful behaviour. It should be reintroduced and strengthened from secondary school level,” he added.

At the school level, a secondary school teacher based in Abuja, Mr Isaac Moji, said bullying manifests in various forms, many of which are overlooked.

“It is not always about physical fights. Verbal abuse, cyberbullying, and social exclusion are common, and they often go unnoticed despite causing deep emotional harm,” he said.

Speaking on its prevalence, he noted that incidents occur more frequently than reported.

“There are cases almost daily in many schools, but fear of retaliation or lack of trust in the system discourages students from speaking up,” he added.

Mr Moji also pointed to academic consequences, stating that students who are bullied often struggle to concentrate, and their performance drops because they no longer feel safe or motivated.

“Students who witness bullying must be encouraged to speak up. Silence only enables the behaviour. When students see teachers as approachable, they are more likely to report issues.

“However, some teachers still need training to properly identify and manage different forms of bullying. Children need to feel supported both at home and in school. Their concerns should never be dismissed.”

An Abuja-based parent, Theresa Christopher, also lamented that some children come home withdrawn but are afraid to talk because they think it may make things worse.

Mrs Christopher said bullying affects a child’s confidence and mental health. A once-vibrant student may suddenly lose interest in school or become anxious.

According to her, she always warns her children to report any threats from bullies, adding that many schools cover up such incidents to protect their reputation.

“The issue of bullying is a serious one that requires collective action. Whenever I discover my children are being bullied in any school, I will withdraw them because, most times, schools do not tell us what really happens behind the scenes.

“We must also teach children that supporting victims or reporting incidents is not betrayal but responsibility.

 

Nationwide 51% Bullying Statistics Revealing A Crisis

According to the federal government’s figures, over 51 per cent of Nigerian adolescents have experienced bullying, with many incidents happening in classrooms, corridors, playfields, and even outside school gates, underscoring how pervasive this problem is across both public and private institutions.

The “over 51 per cent” bullying statistic comes from recent official federal government statements in 2025. During activities marking 2025 Children’s Day (27 May 2025), the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, was quoted as saying that about 51.9 per cent of Nigerian adolescent students reported having experienced bullying, with most cases occurring in classrooms and involving fellow students.

LEADERSHIP Sunday reports that this figure was presented to raise awareness and call for action against bullying in Nigerian schools.