The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, says a National Policy on bullying will be developed to mitigate its tendencies, gradually creeping into schools across the country.
Dr. Alausa who stated this in Abuja at a Press conference during a crucial meeting with principals of Unity schools, said the ministry of Justice would provide all the required legal template to achieve the policy in good time.
In recent times, there have been recurring incidents of bullying in schools at every level of learning, which usually leaves victims traumatized emotionally and physically.
To curb the trend, the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa said formulating a National Policy on bullying would significantly bring a lasting solution to the problem.
Dr. Alausa explained that an emergency meeting of the National Council on Education, which is the highest policy making body on education, would be scheduled in February, next year, to discuss modalities for the Policy and punitive measures for perpetrators.
Dr. Alausa, also mentioned that the Federal Government was putting other measures in place to eradicate the menace.
The Minister maintained that the federal government would not condone any form of bullying in schools.
He said “This government has zero tolerance for bullying”
Also, at the meeting, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Jeddy Agba explained that none of the various laws in the constitution on child rights specifically addressed bullying, hence the need for a legislation on bullying in its entity.
The Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, also, advised all the principals to adhere strictly to all the policies of Government on Bullying to create a safe and conducive environment for teaching and learning
