Federal Ministry of Education to Launch Anonymous Bullying Reporting Platform
In response to the rising cases of bullying in primary and secondary schools across the country, the Federal Ministry of Education has announced plans to launch a platform where whistleblowers can report bullying incidents anonymously.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, made this announcement during a press briefing in Abuja, expressing concern over the increasing violence and bullying in schools and the negative impact these issues have on students’ academic performance, mental health, and overall development.
Dr. Alausa highlighted the severe consequences of bullying and violence, which include declining academic performance, mental health struggles, student dropouts, and a loss of moral values as the minister referenced recent high-profile cases of bullying, including the tragic death of Sylvester Oromoni, a student from a Lagos-based private school. In November 2024, 13 students from the Federal Government College in Enugu were also suspended for bullying a peer, which further emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue.
To combat these challenges, the Federal Ministry of Education has launched several initiatives, such as the National Campaign Against School Violence, aimed at raising awareness among students, teachers, and parents about the dangers of bullying. The ministry is also partnering with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to address issues like cultism and criminal activities within schools. A dedicated helpline and online platform will be set up to allow students and parents to report cases of bullying and violence securely and anonymously.
The minister called on all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, students, and the media, to collaborate in creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment. He emphasized the role of parents in monitoring their children’s behavior and mental health, and the responsibility of school authorities to act swiftly on any reports of bullying or violence. Dr. Alausa urged students to speak out against bullying and violence, and for the media to help raise awareness about these critical issues.
