The Federal Government has announced plans to develop a National Policy on bullying to curb its increasing prevalence in schools across the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja after a meeting with principals of Unity Schools, the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, stated that the Ministry of Justice would provide the necessary legal framework to facilitate the policy’s implementation.
Dr. Alausa highlighted the growing number of bullying cases in schools, which often leave victims emotionally and physically traumatized. He noted that the policy would aim to provide a lasting solution to this problem.
To expedite the process, the minister revealed that an emergency meeting of the National Council on Education, the apex policymaking body for education, would convene in February next year to finalize the policy and discuss punitive measures for offenders.
“This government has zero tolerance for bullying,” Dr. Alausa emphasized, adding that additional measures were being put in place to eradicate the issue.
During the meeting, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Jeddy Agba, pointed out that existing child rights laws in the constitution do not explicitly address bullying, underscoring the need for dedicated legislation.
Mrs. Agba also urged school principals to strictly adhere to government policies on bullying to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment.
Discover more from DnewsInfo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
