Kehinde Fajobi
The federal government has suspended 13 students from Federal Government College (FGC) Enugu following a bullying incident on November 7, 2024, in which an SS1 day student was assaulted by a group of students, an event captured in a video that went viral on social media.
In a statement titled “Ensuring a Safe and Secure Learning Environment,” the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, expressed serious concern over the incident, saying it “raised significant concerns about safety and discipline within the school environment.”
Signed by Boriowo Folasade, the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, the statement detailed Dr. Alausa’s directive to the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) to work with security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, including exploring any links to external groups.
The minister stressed that immediate steps are being taken to improve safety measures at the school, including the involvement of law enforcement and a review of existing security protocols.
“The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment in all federal schools across Nigeria,” the statement read.
He reassured parents and the public that “all necessary actions will be taken to restore peace and ensure the protection of students at FGC Enugu.”
The statement further explained that a disciplinary committee established by the ministry found 13 students involved in the incident, leading to their six-week suspension pending further investigation.
“To address the incident,” it continued, “the Federal Ministry of Education has directed the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) to collaborate with security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, including possible affiliations with external groups.”
The ministry also announced that counselling and rehabilitation support would be provided to support students’ reintegration into a positive school environment.
Dr. Alausa urged all stakeholders, including parents, school authorities, and security agencies, to work together to “foster a secure atmosphere for students to thrive.”