THE FEDERAL government has suspended 13 students of the Federal Government College in Enugu State for six-weeks for alleged bullying in the school.
This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Folashade Boriowo.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa ordered the suspension of the students based on a viral video showing some students of the school engaging in acts of bullying.
Alausa, reaffirmed the ministry’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment in all federal schools across the country.
According to him, a recent report received by the Federal Ministry of Education highlighted the bullying incident at the FUC, Enugu, which raised significant concerns about safety and discipline within the school environment.
“The findings of the ministry, the incident involved the gang assault of an SS1 student (a day student) by a group of students on Nov. 7. The incident came to light showing the circulation of a disturbing video on social media platforms.
“In response, the Federal Ministry of Education established a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter. Based on the findings, all 13 students involved have been placed on a six-week suspension pending the report of the investigative committee.”
The minister also directed the School Based Management Committee (SBMC) to collaborate with security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, including possible affiliations with external groups.
He added that immediate measures have been implemented to enhance security at the College by engaging law enforcement agents while also reviewing existing safety protocols.
“Additionally, counselling and rehabilitation support will be provided to address all forms of problems while promoting their reintegration into a positive school environment,” he said. (NAN)
Meanwhile, Enugu State Ministry of Education says it has zero tolerance to bullying and other dehumanising treatment in schools within the state.
The Commissioner for Education, Prof Ndubueze Mbah, made this known in a statement in Enugu on Tuesday.
He said that the government had begun an investigation into the bullying and assault of a student of the Federal Government College, Enugu.
Mbah condemned the bullying and physical assault of the student, which had gone viral on social media platforms.
He described the incident as “deeply troubling and emotionally distressing”, adding that the state government had ordered for the swift investigation, arrest and prosecution of the culprits.
“There will be consequences for such acts both to school managers and direct culprits responsible,” he said.
According to him, the state government is liaising with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure appropriate sanctions for both the culprits and school managers who failed in their duties.
“The safety and welfare of our students are paramount. Government is resolved to prosecute culprits who engage in the criminal behaviour of physical assault against students.
“Such immoral behaviour has no place in our academic environments and those who thread that path must be ready to face the consequences.” (NAN)
