The Federal Government has issued a stern warning against bullying in Unity Colleges, announcing that students found guilty of physical assault resulting in bodily harm will face indefinite suspension. This directive, aimed at curbing rising cases of violence in schools, highlights the government’s zero-tolerance approach to bullying.
A memorandum signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Nasir Gwarzo, revealed that the ministry was alarmed by the increasing reports of violent student behavior. The memo emphasized that such actions are unacceptable and will be met with stricter consequences moving forward.
This announcement follows a recent incident on November 7, 2024, where 13 students from Federal Government College, Enugu, were suspended for six weeks. The suspension was ordered by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, to allow for a thorough investigation after a viral video showed students physically assaulting a fellow student in Senior Secondary School 1. The video sparked widespread outrage on social media and intensified calls for action against bullying.
In response to the disturbing trend, the ministry has decided to implement tougher measures. According to the directive, any student or group of students involved in physical assaults leading to injury will face indefinite suspension. This policy supplements existing guidelines for handling disciplinary issues in schools.
“The attention of the ministry has been drawn to the cruel and inhuman acts of physical assault that inflict bodily injury on other students by fellow students or groups of students.
“In addition to the punishments in the ministry’s approved uniform guidelines for offences and punishments, the ministry has directed that henceforth, any student or group of students found culpable of physical assault leading to bodily injury on another student or group of students will be suspended indefinitely from the college.
“Ensure that you comply strictly with the content of this circular and inform the SBMC members and parents accordingly.
“College administrators have been instructed to strictly comply with the new directive and to inform Student-Based Management
