The Federal Government has suspended 13 students of the Federal Government College (FGC) Enugu for six weeks over their involvement in an alleged bullying incident, as revealed in a viral video. The decision, which aims to address safety concerns, was announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
In a statement released on Wednesday by Folashade Boriowo, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, it was confirmed that the students faced disciplinary action following the circulation of a disturbing video showing acts of bullying within the school premises.
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Ministry of Education Takes Firm Stand
Minister Alausa emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring a secure and conducive learning environment in all federal schools across Nigeria. He expressed grave concern over the reported bullying case, describing it as an alarming breach of student safety and discipline.
According to the statement, the Federal Ministry of Education received a report highlighting the incident at FGC Enugu. The viral video, which surfaced on social media on November 7, showed a group of students assaulting an SS1 day student, sparking outrage among the public and raising questions about student welfare and school safety protocols.
Disciplinary Measures and Investigation
The Ministry swiftly responded by setting up a disciplinary committee to thoroughly investigate the matter. Based on the findings, the 13 students identified in the video were placed on a six-week suspension. The suspension, according to the Ministry, is a provisional measure pending the final report of the investigative committee.
In addition, the Minister directed the School Based Management Committee (SBMC) to collaborate with local security agencies to conduct a detailed probe into the incident, exploring potential links with external groups or influences.
Enhancing Security at FGC Enugu
Dr. Alausa disclosed that immediate steps have been taken to bolster security at FGC Enugu. The Ministry has engaged law enforcement agents and initiated a comprehensive review of existing safety protocols to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
Furthermore, the Minister announced that counseling and rehabilitation support would be provided for affected students to facilitate their reintegration into a positive and supportive school environment. The Ministry aims to address not only the disciplinary issues but also the underlying factors contributing to such behaviors.
The case remains under investigation as the Federal Ministry of Education awaits the final report from the disciplinary committee, which will determine the next course of action.