The Federal Ministry of Education has slammed a six months suspension on 13 students of the Federal Government College, Enugu, (names withheld) for alleged bullying and assault of an SS1 day student.
The Federal Government College, Enugu, is a renowned institution established in 1973 to promote unity among students from different regions in Nigeria.
The Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo, in a statement, on Wednesday, said the decision was necessary to guarantee safety of the students in the school, and also retain the confidence and trust of parents and stakeholders.
She further explained: “A recent report received by the Federal Ministry of Education highlighted the bullying incident at the Federal Government College (FGC), Enugu, which raised significant concerns about safety and discipline within the school environment.
“According to findings by the Ministry, the incident involved the gang assault of an SS1 student (a day student) by a group of students on November 7, 2024, which came to light following the circulation of a disturbing video on social media platforms.
“In response, the Federal Ministry of Education constituted a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter, and based on the findings, all 13 students involved have been placed on a six-week suspension pending the report of the investigative committee.
“To further address the incident, the Federal Ministry of Education has also directed the School- Based Management Committee (SBMC) to collaborate with security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, including possible affiliations with external groups.
“Immediate measures have been implemented to enhance security at the College by engaging law enforcement and reviewing existing safety protocols. Additionally, counselling and rehabilitation support will be provided to address all forms of problems, while promoting their reintegration into a positive school environment.”
She said the Minister had appealed to all stakeholders, including parents, school authorities, and security agencies, to work collaboratively in addressing the challenges, and foster a secure atmosphere for students to thrive.
She also reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment in all federal schools across Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Enugu State Government has strongly condemned the bullying and physical assault of a student at the Federal Government College, Enugu, describing it as “deeply troubling and emotionally distressing.”
The State Commissioner for Education, Professor Ndubueze Mbah, in a statement on Tuesday, emphasised the government’s zero-tolerance policy for bullying, abuse, and dehumanising treatment in all learning environments 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 noting that the incident highlighted the importance of ensuring safety and well-being in educational institutions.
Noting that the incident occurred in a Federal Government-owned college in the state, the commissioner said the state government was in communication with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure that appropriate sanctions were applied to both the errant students and any school manager who failed in their duties.
The statement reassured parents, students and the public that the state government would always prioritise the safety and welfare of students, citing the record and massive investment the Governor Peter Mbah administration had made in the education sector as a commitment to ensuring a safe and conducive learning atmosphere.
“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,” the statement read in part.
The commissioner also reminded all the educational institutions in the state of their role in ensuring that the safety and well-being of students were given preference, warning of dire consequences against harassment, intimidation and violence which violate the core values of respect, equality and freedom of students.
Earlier on Monday, a short video clip on social media showed some students of the Federal Government College, Enugu, physically assaulting another student in the school hostel which immediately elicited condemnation from both the state government and the public.
Meanwhile, the Parent-Teacher Association of the college has dispelled rumours that the bullying had anything to do with cultism.
The PTA Chairman, Dr. Chinedu Mba, in a statement by the media team on Tuesday, explained that a student was found bringing Indian hemp into the school, which led to what it described as “some disorderly conduct.”
“The attention of the PTA Chairman of the Federal Government College, Enugu, Dr. Chinedu Mba, has been drawn to a video currently trending online regarding an incident at the school. He wishes to clarify that, at the time of the incident, the PTA security guards had not resumed their duties.
“The PTA security team officially commenced duties on Sunday. Contrary to the rumours, it is untrue that the incident involved cult activities. Rather, a student was found bringing Indian hemp into the school, which led to some disorderly conduct.
It added, “It is also worth noting that the student involved failed to inform his parents about his behaviour. Parents are encouraged to counsel their children against engaging in nefarious activities. The online rumours are being promoted by individuals who do not have the best interests of the school at heart.
“The PTA security guards, who are well-trained and capable, are dedicated to upholding the safety and wellbeing of all students at FGC Enugu. We remain committed to maintaining a secure and conducive learning environment for our students.”