The Federal Government has intensified its campaign against bullying in schools, warning that students found guilty of intimidating, harassing or abusing their peers could face disciplinary measures, including suspension, expulsion and public identification.
The warning was issued on Wednesday during a sensitisation workshop organised by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in Abuja.
The workshop, themed “Sensitisation Workshop for Students and Teachers on the National Policy on Anti-Bullying and the Effects of Bullying,” brought together students and teachers from schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to promote awareness of the government’s anti-bullying policy and encourage safer learning environments.
Speaking at the event, UBEC Deputy Executive Secretary, Razak Olajuwon, said the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to eliminating bullying and ensuring that every child can learn in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.
Olajuwon described bullying as a serious challenge that causes psychological, emotional and academic harm to students, stressing that school authorities have been empowered to enforce the National Policy on Anti-Bullying.
According to him, sanctions for offenders include suspension, expulsion and public identification as part of efforts to discourage bullying.
“No student wants to be suspended. No student wants to be expelled.
When students are publicly identified for bullying, it affects them psychologically and also impacts their parents and guardians.
These are measures intended to discourage such behaviour,” he said.
He also urged students to report incidents of bullying rather than remain silent, saying victims and witnesses have a shared responsibility to help create safer schools.
Olajuwon disclosed that the Ministry of Education and UBEC have stepped up awareness campaigns across schools nationwide, adding that the sustained efforts have contributed to a decline in reported bullying cases.
The Federal Government said it would continue to strengthen preventive measures, promote awareness and ensure that students found guilty of bullying are held accountable in line with the national policy.
