FG sets up a seven-member committee to investigate bullying in Abuja school

Namtira Bwala, a student of Lead British International School, was subjected to bullying by fellow students. The federal government has formed a seven-member committee to investigate alleged bullying incidents at Lead British International School in Abuja.

This came after the government called an emergency meeting with the school’s administration following the release of a disturbing video of some students bullying others on social media earlier Tuesday.

“The committee’s mandate is to investigate the events depicted in the videos and expand the investigation to other schools, using Lead British International School as a case study, to address broader social vices,” said Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, in a statement issued late Tuesday. The statement made no mention of the committee members’ names.

Earlier in the meeting, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, Minister of State for Education, stressed the government’s firm stance against any type of harassment or intimidation within educational institutions.

Mr. Abraham Ogunkanmbi, the Head of LBIS, led the meeting, which included representatives from the school.

The statement read: “The Federal Ministry of Education has convened an urgent meeting in response to an alarming online video circulating regarding alleged bullying incidents at Lead British International School.

“Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, emphasized the government’s steadfast stance against any form of harassment or intimidation within educational institutions.

“During the meeting, Dr. Sununu expressed deep concern over the circulated video and took decisive action by appointing a seven-member committee to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the documented incidents.

“The committee’s mandate is to investigate the events at depicted in the videos and come up with expanded investigation to other schools, using Lead British International School as a case study, to address broader social vices.

“Additionally, Dr. Sununu underscored the importance of establishing stronger bonds between school authorities and Students to facilitate immediate responses to similar incidents in the future, emphasizing the critical role of communication in resolving such issues.

“Assuring the Nigerian populace of the government’s commitment to ensuring safety and protecting the rights of all students, Dr. Sununu reiterated the seriousness of the Federal Ministry of Education in addressing and eradicating vices within the education sector.

“In her own contribution, the Permanent Secretary Education Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, inquired about the existence of an anonymous suggestion box at the school, where students can lodge their complaints discreetly.

“Furthermore, she recommended fostering relationships between Teachers and Students, enabling Students to feel comfortable reporting directly to them.

“Representatives from Lead British International School, led by Mr. Abraham Ogunkanmbi, Head of School at LBIS Abuja, assured the Ministry that appropriate measures had been taken in response to the incidents, including disciplinary actions in accordance with school policies.

“The Federal Ministry of Education remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering safe and conducive learning environments for all Students across the nation.”