The recent viral video from Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City, Edo State, has deeply shaken the nation. The footage, which surfaced recently, depicted senior students violently physically. The Edo State Government and the Nigerian Police have intervened, with authorities launching a formal investigation into the assault.
While the Igbinedion case is currently in the spotlight, it is part of a broader, often silent crisis in many schools.
Many former students have shared that bullying—ranging from extortion and verbal abuse to physical violence—has been normalised in Nigerian secondary schools for decades, why something needs to be done as a matter of urgency to curb bullying and peer to peer abuse in our schools across the country.
Furthermore, The pressure to “develop thick skin” often leaves lasting psychological scars, sometimes pushing vulnerable students toward cultism for protection.
Reports indicate that between 21% to 82% of Nigerian students experience some form of bullying, with physical assault (hitting, kicking, pushing) being the most common form at approximately 62%.
As a school safety expert, I believe that addressing this requires a shift from reactive punishment to proactive prevention across all levels:
1. For Schools
Strict Anti-Bullying Policies: Implement and clearly communicate a robust code of conduct that defines bullying and its consequences.
Enhanced Supervision: Increase monitoring in “blind spots” like hostels, toilets, hallways, and playgrounds where adult presence is often limited.
Safe Reporting Systems: Create anonymous tools, such as suggestion boxes or digital hotlines, so students can report incidents without fear of retaliation.
Emotional Intelligence Training: Incorporate “empathy training” into the curriculum to teach students how to value differences and treat others with respect from a young age.
2. For Teachers
Proactive Observation: Be vigilant for “warning signs” like withdrawal, sudden drops in grades, or unexplained physical injuries.
Immediate Intervention: Stop any witnessed bullying immediately and document the event formally rather than treating it as “kids being kids”.
Building Connections: Foster a classroom environment based on respect rather than fear, making students feel safe enough to confide in you.
3. For Parents
Open Communication: Regularly talk to your children about their school day and educate them specifically on what bullying is—both as a potential victim and a bystander.
Model Positive Behaviour: Ensure the home environment is free of aggressive or overly strict discipline, as children often model their behaviour at school based on what they see at home.
4. For the Government
Policy Enforcement: The Federal Government recently unveiled the National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Nigerian Schools; the state government must now ensure strict compliance and monitoring in all private and public institutions.
Uniform Sanctions: Establish clear, state-wide penalties for schools found negligent in protecting their students
Finally it is noteworthy to also state here that when a bullying incident occurs, the school is no longer just an educational center; it becomes a potential crime scene and a defendant in court. School owners and administrators can face severe legal consequences under Nigerian law.
1. Civil Liability (Lawsuits for Negligence)
Negligence Claims: Parents can sue for “breach of duty.” If a school failed to supervise students in a hostel / or school environment or ignored prior reports of bullying, they can be ordered to pay massive financial damages.
Vicarious Liability: The school owner is often held responsible for the actions (or inactions) of their staff.
2. Criminal Charges
While the bullies face the police, the school management can also face criminal charges under the Child Rights Act (2003) or state-specific laws (like the Lagos State Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy).
Endangering a Child: If management deliberately covered up an assault to “protect the school’s image,” they can be charged with conspiracy or obstructing justice.
Failure to Report:
3. Administrative Sanctions (Government Level)
The Ministry of Education has the power to bypass the courts and strike immediately:
Withdrawal of Accreditation: The government can revoke the school’s license to operate, effectively shutting it down.
De-boarding: govt may order the immediate closure of boarding facilities until “safety audits” are passed.
Blacklisting: The school’s name can be added to a registry of “unsafe institutions,” which destroys its reputation and future enrollment.
4. Breach of Contract
When parents pay school fees, they enter a contractual agreement where the school promises a safe learning environment. A major bullying incident is a fundamental breach of this contract, allowing parents to sue for a full refund of fees and relocation costs.
Notable Bullying Incidents in Nigeria include: Namtira Bwala (Lead British International School, Abuja, 2024): In April 2024, viral videos showed a female student, Namtira Bwala, being repeatedly slapped and harassed by her classmates. The public outcry led the Minister of Women Affairs to intervene, resulting in a temporary three-day closure of the school for investigation and the eventual expulsion of the perpetrators.
Don Davis Archibong (Deeper Life High School, Uyo, 2020): An 11-year-old student’s mother raised an alarm through a viral video, alleging her son had been severely bullied and sexually molested by senior students and staff. The case led to a major investigation into the school’s internal culture.
Beautiful Beginning Academy (Abuja, 2024): A video surfaced showing senior students loosely tying a junior student with a chain around his neck. Although the school initially described it as “play,” the FCT Police Command launched an investigation due to the disturbing nature of the footage.
Federal Government College (Enugu, 2024): In November 2024, the Federal Ministry of Education suspended 13 students for six weeks following a viral video of a gang assault on an SS1 student.
There are several that were not reported in the media but by virtue of my role as the LeadResource for Safe Schools Lagos I get to know of.
