The Federal Government has taken swift action against bullying in Federal Government College (FGC) in Enugu by suspending 13 students for six weeks.
A shocking viral video that surfaced on November 11 and revealed bullying incidents involving students and an SS1 student spurred the decision.
The Ministry of Education’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Folashade Boriowo, announced this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Boriowo said the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, took the action after a viral video brought the issue to light.
According to Alausa, the Federal Ministry of Education recently received a report that highlighted the bullying incident at the FUC, Enugu, raising serious concerns about safety and discipline in the school setting.
The report read: “The findings of the ministry, the incident involved the gang assault of an SS1 student (a day student) by a group of students on Nov. 7.
“The incident came to light showing the circulation of a disturbing video 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 placed on a six-week suspension pending the report of the investigative committee.”
Alausa directed the School Based Management Committee to team up with security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the bullying incident, including potential ties to external groups.
Additionally, the minister implemented immediate security enhancements at the college by deploying law enforcement and reviewing existing safety protocols to prevent similar incidents.
He said: Counseling and rehabilitation support will be provided to address all forms of problems while promoting their reintegration into a positive school environment.”
Meanwhile, the Enugu State Government has strongly denounced the students’ action, labeling it “deeply troubling and emotionally distressing.”
Enugu State’s Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, issued a statement on Tuesday, condemning the incident and expressing deep concern over the disturbing events that unfolded.
Mbah stressed that the government won’t tolerate bullying, abuse, or dehumanizing treatment in any learning environment across the state.
He directed the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the barbaric act, which he said had no place in the state.
The statement reassured parents, students, and the public that the state government would always prioritise the safety and welfare of students.
The statement read in part: The Enugu State Government has zero tolerance for bullying and abuse in our schools.
“The safety and welfare of our students are paramount. The 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 tread that path must be ready to face the consequences.”
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