By Joseph Erunke, Abuja
The federal government has suspended 13 students from Federal Government College, Enugu, following a recent bullying incident at the school.A video that circulated on social media showed a group attack on an SS1 day student which took place on November 7, 2024. In response to this alarming situation, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa issued a statement titled “Ensuring a Safe and Secure Learning Environment,” expressing deep concerns over safety and discipline in the school’s environment.The statement, released by Boriowo Folasade, the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, outlined that Dr. Alausa has instructed the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) to work alongside security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation, which may include exploring affiliations with external groups.To strengthen security measures at the college, the minister noted that law enforcement has been engaged, and existing safety protocols are being reviewed immediately.The full statement read: “The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment in all federal schools across Nigeria. “He assured parents, guardians, and the general public that all necessary actions will be undertaken to restore peace and ensure the safety of students at FGC Enugu.“A report recently received by the Federal Ministry of Education detailed the bullying incident at the Federal Government College (FGC), Enugu, which has raised serious concerns about safety and discipline within the school environment.“Findings indicate that the incident involved the gang assault of an SS1 day student by a group of peers on November 7, 2024. This incident became widely known after a troubling video surfaced on social media platforms. In response, the Federal Ministry of Education has set up a disciplinary committee to investigate the case. “Consequently, all 13 students involved have been suspended for six weeks, pending the outcome of the investigation. Immediate measures to improve security at the college include engaging law enforcement and reviewing current safety protocols.“Furthermore, counseling and rehabilitation support will be provided to address various issues and facilitate the students’ positive reintegration into the school environment.“The Minister encourages all stakeholders—parents, school authorities, and security agencies—to collaborate in tackling these challenges and creating a secure atmosphere where students can thrive.”
