A broad coalition of figures from government, charities, security services and the education sector are demanding a swift and coordinated response to rising levels of bullying in Nigerian schools.
The calls came during a stakeholder dialogue hosted by International Alert Nigeria in Abuja on Friday, where experts warned of the damaging impact bullying is having on young people’s mental wellbeing and wider societal risks.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) highlighted a particularly worrying link between bullying and substance abuse, with officials warning that persistent harassment can drive vulnerable young people towards harmful coping mechanisms like drugs.
Henrietta HoldGod, representing the NDLEA’s Counselling and Psychosocial Support Unit, explained that victims often experience anxiety, depression and withdrawal, making them more susceptible to turning to drugs.
“Protecting children from bullying is also protecting them from potential pathways to drug abuse,” she stated.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) echoed the need for a robust response, advocating for a ‘zero tolerance’ approach and stressing the importance of collective responsibility from families, schools and communities.
NAPTIP Director Rebecca Enwusoyere urged stakeholders to empower young people to recognise, resist and report bullying, alongside increased parental involvement and awareness campaigns.
Experts presented concerning data, with Dr. Margaret Ebubedike of the Open University noting a worsening situation since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regional figures suggest between 27 and 50 per cent of children in Sub-Saharan Africa experience bullying, but the situation in Nigeria is believed to be even more acute, with over half of secondary school students reportedly affected.
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) also weighed in, warning that unchecked bullying could escalate into broader security issues.
Commandant-General Dr. Ahmed Audi, through a representative, emphasised the need for swift reporting and coordinated responses.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the issue through the National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Schools, with officials from the Ministry of Youth Development urging a move from discussion to practical implementation.
The Ministry of Education confirmed that guidelines and a dedicated committee are in place to ensure the policy is rolled out nationally.
However, behavioural change expert Ms. Ayotola Ilori cautioned that a policy alone is insufficient. She highlighted that around 32% of Nigerians aged 12-17 are affected by bullying, with a staggering 85% either experiencing it as a victim, perpetrator, or both, and called for system-wide action across all local government areas.
International Alert Nigeria, who convened the dialogue, are working with schools to establish ‘Youth Peace Clubs’ to train students in conflict resolution and raise awareness of the psychological impact of bullying. They are also developing safe reporting systems to encourage victims to come forward.
Organisers confirmed that a formal communiqué and policy roadmap will be developed following the dialogue, to guide future advocacy and strengthen government efforts to address bullying nationwide. The initiative was prompted by growing public concern, fuelled by recent high-profile incidents, including a widely reported case in Edo State.
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