As Bullying persists in Nigerian schools, our education lawyers examined Nigeria’s legal and policy framework on antibullying.
In Nigeria, bullies may face criminal charges when Bullying involves assaults, but implementation remains a key challenge.
Background
Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Education recently suspended 13 students of Federal Government College, Enugu, who bullied and abused their fellow students in November 2024.
Bullying is not an act of rite of passage for students. There are two broad definitions of Bullying in Nigeria’s policies.
Bullying means behaviour repeated over time that intentionally inflicts injury or discomfort through physical contact, verbal attacks, or psychological manipulation. Bullying involves an imbalance of power in favour of the bully at the expense of the bullied child (National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools 2021).
Nigeria’s Minimum Standards for Safe Schools described Bullying as the use of force, threat or coercion to abuse, intimidate or aggressively dominate others. The behaviour is often repeated and habitual. Bullying arises from imbalances in social or physical power.
Nigeria’s policy definitions of Bullying are rarely consistent with global standards or in tandem with how most psychologists define Bullying.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) describes Bullying on its website as “unwanted, aggressive behaviour among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance” and “is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.”
Nigeria’s policy definition of bullying is narrower than the HSS’ definition because it is limited to repeated acts of bullying. At the same time, HHS’ include the likelihood of repetition.
Nigeria’s Legislation on Bullying
Bullying remains a persistent challenge in Nigerian schools, and it affects students’ mental well-being, academic performance, and social development.
Nigeria’s federal government subscribed to the Global Safe Schools Declaration. The Safe Schools Declaration seeks to address school safety during conflicts.
Before the Safe School Declaration, the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) guaranteed a child’s right to dignity and immunised against inhumane or degrading treatment.
Moreover, Bullying – which often includes physical, verbal, or psychological abuse – violates the child’s right to dignity.
The constitutional provision imposes a duty on schools to protect students from Bullying and uphold their fundamental rights.
The Child Rights Act 2003 is Nigeria’s most elaborate antibullying legislative tool. Adopted by many Nigerian states, the Child Rights Act emphasises children’s rights to protection, education, and safety.
Furthermore, the Child Rights Act protects children from physical and emotional abuse, including Bullying.
Under the Act, schools are responsible for creating safe environments and reporting incidents that may endanger a child’s well-being.
While some states have yet to adopt the Child Rights Act, it is the nationwide standard for children’s rights.
Antibullying Policies
In 2021, Nigeria’s federal government issued two crucial antibullying policies as follows:
• National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools 2021
• Minimum Standards for Safe Schools 2021
National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools defines cyberbullying as the use of the internet to threaten or intimidate a person, usually by sending harmful messages or postings.
Nigeria’s antibullying policies outlined reporting mechanisms on how students, teachers, parents, and school authorities can report bullying incidents, often through confidential channels.
Disciplinary procedures under the antibullying policies include consequences for bullying behaviours, including warnings, counselling, suspension or expulsion for severe or repeated offences.
Antibullying policies underscore the role of schools in protecting students and setting clear expectations for behaviour within the school environment.
Public and private schools must focus on early intervention through open dialogue to encourage students and parents to report bullying incidents.
Cyberbullying and Digital Harassment Laws
With the growing influence of social media and digital communication among young people, cyberbullying has become a pressing concern.
Although Nigeria does not have specific cyberbullying legislation, the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024 offers some protection against cyber harassment, identity theft, and related offences.
Although the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024 covers the broader cybercrime issues, it provides a foundation for tackling digital harassment, including instances of Bullying that may occur online.
Schools must incorporate digital citizenship and responsible online behaviour in their antibullying policies.
When Bullying is a Crime
Severe cases of Bullying that involve physical assault or severe psychological are assaults and battery – crimes under Nigerian laws.
Beyond disciplinary procedures, schools may involve law enforcement in bullying incidents, leading to potential criminal charges.
Through these approaches, Nigeria’s legal system demonstrates that Bullying is not simply a disciplinary matter but can have criminal repercussions when it reaches severe levels.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s legal and policy framework for antibullying provides essential protection, but further action is needed to close existing gaps.
Schools, government bodies, and communities must work together to create a safe school where every child feels safe and supported.
Strengthening legal provisions, promoting awareness, and enhancing school resources will go a long way toward reducing Bullying and supporting Nigeria’s educational development.
By understanding and enforcing these frameworks, we can foster a safe school and position Nigeria to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5=4 on Quality Education.
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