The Ministry of Education has issued a stern warning to students in Nigeria’s Unity Colleges: those found guilty of physical assault resulting in bodily harm will face indefinite suspension.
This tough directive, signed by Permanent Secretary Nasir Gwarzo, comes as the ministry addresses a surge in student-on-student violence, which has raised significant concerns among school administrators and parents alike.
A memo obtained in Abuja reveals the ministry’s stance on the alarming rise in bullying and cruel acts among students, stating that such behaviors will no longer be tolerated. “The attention of the ministry has been drawn to the cruel and inhuman acts of physical assault that inflict bodily injury on other students by fellow students or groups of students,” the memo declared.
It emphasized that, in addition to current penalties outlined in the ministry’s guidelines, indefinite suspension will now be applied to any student or group of students found guilty of physical assault leading to injury.
This new policy follows a recent incident at the Federal Government College, Enugu, where 13 students in Senior Secondary School 1 were suspended for six weeks after a disturbing video surfaced showing them physically assaulting a fellow student. The video quickly went viral on social media, leading the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, to order their suspension to allow for a full investigation. The ministry has since intensified its stance on violent behavior as incidents of bullying continue to increase in both government and private schools nationwide.
The ministry’s new directive is part of a broader effort to curb escalating student violence and instill a safer school environment. The memo directed college administrators to strictly enforce the new suspension policy, and it emphasized the importance of informing the Student-Based Management Committee (SBMC) members and parents. “Ensure that you comply strictly with the content of this circular and inform the SBMC members and parents accordingly,” the memo stated, underscoring the ministry’s commitment to holding students accountable.
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