- We don’t condone bullying in schools -State Govt
The Federal Government has suspended 13 students from Enugu Unity College for six weeks due to allegations of bullying and assault.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the suspension in a statement on Wednesday, issued through the Director, Press and Public Relations, Folashade Boriowo.
This decision was made following the release of a viral video that showed the bullying incidents that occurred at the college over the weekend.
The statement read in part:
“The findings of the ministry revealed that on November 7, a group of students assaulted an SS1 student (a day student) in a gang attack.
“The incident came to light when a disturbing video circulated on social media platforms.
“In response, the Federal Ministry of Education established a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter.
“Based on the findings, all 13 students involved have been suspended for six weeks until the report of the investigative committee is submitted,” he said.
The minister also instructed the School Based Management Committee (SBMC) to collaborate with security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, including possible connections to external groups.
He added that immediate measures have been taken to enhance security at the college by engaging law enforcement agents and reviewing existing safety protocols.
Federal Unity Colleges, also known as Unity Schools, were established with the aim of promoting national integration and unity among Nigerian youth. These colleges have a long history, dating back to 1973, when the Federal Government of Nigeria created them to bring together students from different regions.
In Enugu State, there are two Federal Unity Colleges: Federal Government College, Enugu (FGCE) and Federal Government Girls College, Lejja (FGGCL). FGCE, also known as Fedi, is a co-educational institution with approximately 3,000 students.
The Ministry of Education’s swift response to the bullying incident demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment in all federal schools across the country. By taking decisive action, the government aims to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure the well-being of students.
Meanwhile, the Enugu State Ministry of Education says it has zero tolerance to bullying and other dehumanising treatment in schools within the state.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, made this known in a statement in Enugu on Tuesday.
He said that the government had begun an investigation into the bullying and assault of a student of the Federal Government College, Enugu.
Mbah condemned the bullying and physical assault of the student, which had gone viral on social media platforms.
He described the incident as “deeply troubling and emotionally distressing”, adding that the state government had ordered for the swift investigation, arrest and prosecution of the culprits.
“There will be consequences for such acts both to school managers and direct culprits responsible,” he said.
According to him, the state government is liaising with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure appropriate sanctions for both the culprits and school managers who failed in their duties.
“The safety and welfare of our students are paramount.
“Government is resolved to prosecute culprits who engage in the criminal behaviour of physical assault against students.
“Such immoral behaviour has no place in our academic environments and those who thread that path must be ready to face the consequences.” (NAN)
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