The Federal Government has suspended 13 students from the Federal Government College (FGC) in Enugu State for six weeks following an alleged bullying incident.
The suspension follows the circulation of a viral video showing some students of the school engaging in acts of bullying, which raised significant concerns about safety and discipline within the school environment.
The suspension was announced in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education, Folashade Boriowo, on Wednesday. Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, confirmed that the suspension was ordered based on the findings of an investigation into the incident.
The investigation was prompted by a disturbing video that circulated on social media, showing a gang assault on an SS1 student (a day student) by a group of students on November 7, 2024.
In his statement, Minister Alausa reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment across all federal schools in the country. He said, “We are fully committed to ensuring that our schools are safe spaces for all students. Any act of bullying or violence is unacceptable and will be dealt with decisively.”
The Ministry of Education acted swiftly after the incident came to light, establishing 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 final report from the investigative committee.
The Minister further stated that “a recent report received by the Federal Ministry of Education highlighted the bullying incident at the FGC, Enugu, which raised significant concerns about safety and discipline within the school environment.”
The report continued:
“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.”
Minister Alausa also directed the School-Based Management Committee at FGC Enugu to work closely with security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, including any potential affiliations with external groups.
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He added, “Additionally, counseling and rehabilitation support will be provided to address all forms of problems while promoting their reintegration into a positive school environment.”
In addition to the suspension, immediate measures have been put in place to enhance security at the school. These measures include the engagement of law enforcement agents to bolster safety and a review of existing safety protocols at the school.
The incident has raised widespread concerns over bullying in Nigerian schools, prompting calls for stronger measures to protect students and create a safer educational environment across the country
