The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, has emphasized the Ministry's unwavering commitment to safeguarding a safe and conducive learning atmosphere within all Federal Government schools across Nigeria. In a recent development, he addressed concerns surrounding student safety at Federal Government College (FGC) Enugu, assuring the public that comprehensive measures would be enacted to restore order and protect the welfare of students at the institution.
The incident, reported to the Ministry of Education, involved a serious case of bullying on November 7, 2024, in which a group of students allegedly assaulted a day student in Senior Secondary 1. The incident sparked outrage and concern after a video capturing the attack surfaced on social media, prompting swift action from educational authorities.
In response, the Ministry formed a disciplinary committee tasked with a detailed investigation of the incident. Preliminary findings from this committee led to the suspension of all thirteen students implicated, who are now on a six-week suspension while further investigations are carried out. This decision underscores the Ministry’s zero-tolerance stance on bullying and violence in schools.
Additionally, the Ministry directed the School-Based Management Committee at FGC Enugu to collaborate closely with security agencies, ensuring a comprehensive probe that includes examining any possible connections to external groups that may influence school safety. Security enhancements and reviews of current safety protocols have also been implemented as part of a proactive strategy to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
In a bid to support both affected students and the larger student community, the Ministry announced plans for counseling and rehabilitation services aimed at fostering a supportive and constructive school environment. This approach aligns with the Ministry's broader objective of nurturing student development within a positive and respectful atmosphere.
Minister Alausa has called on all stakeholders, including parents, school authorities, and security personnel, to cooperate closely in addressing these challenges. Their collective efforts will be vital in maintaining a secure and supportive environment that allows students to flourish academically and socially.
