The Federal Government has taken swift action against 13 students of Federal Government College (FGC) in Enugu, suspending them for six months after they were accused of bullying and physically assaulting an SS1 day student.
In a statement, the Federal Ministry of Education explained that the suspension was imposed to ensure the safety of all students and maintain the confidence of parents and stakeholders in the school.
The disturbing incident took place on November 7, 2024, when a group of students reportedly attacked the younger student.
The assault, which was captured on video, quickly went viral on social media, drawing public attention and outrage.
The Ministry’s findings confirmed the bullying incident, and the authorities moved to suspend the students involved while ensuring that further investigations would take place.
The Ministry also directed the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) to collaborate with security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly. This includes looking into whether there were any connections to external groups, which has been a concern raised by some members of the public.
The Ministry’s decision comes at a time when bullying has become a growing issue in schools across Nigeria, leading to widespread concerns about student welfare and school safety.
The Enugu State Government, which was alerted about the assault, has strongly condemned the actions of the students involved.
State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, expressed his deep concern about the assault, calling it “deeply troubling and emotionally distressing.”
“The Enugu State Government has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and any form of violence in schools,” Prof. Mbah said. “We are working closely with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure the students responsible face appropriate consequences.”
The Enugu State Government also announced that it would take legal action, directing that the students responsible for the assault be arrested and prosecuted.
This move has sparked widespread support for stricter measures against bullying in schools, as many parents have expressed frustration over the rise of such incidents in recent years.
The incident has also raised questions about the school’s security measures and the role of staff in preventing such occurrences. In response, Prof. Mbah reassured the public that the government was committed to improving student welfare, referencing Governor Peter Mbah’s significant investments in education to create a safer learning environment.
Meanwhile, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of FGC Enugu has worked to address rumors surrounding the incident.
Some reports suggested that the bullying was linked to cult activities, which have been a concern in Nigerian schools. However, the PTA Chairman, Dr. Chinedu Mba, clarified that the incident was not related to cultism.
Dr. Mba explained that the bullying stemmed from a confrontation after a student was found with illegal substances on school grounds, leading to disruptive behavior.
“It is important to understand that this incident did not arise from cult activities,” Dr. Mba stated. “We are urging parents to counsel their children and avoid spreading false narratives that harm the reputation of our school.”
The PTA also confirmed that the school’s security team had resumed full operations, focusing on ensuring the safety of students and preventing similar incidents in the future.
The Enugu State Government has also reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict measures against bullying, harassment, and violence in schools, emphasizing that every student has the right to a safe learning environment.
“We will continue to work with all stakeholders to promote respect, equality, and safety in our schools,” the Enugu government said in a statement.
This suspension and the subsequent investigation have sparked a conversation about the prevalence of bullying in Nigerian schools and the responsibility of school authorities to ensure student safety.
