The Federal Government has suspended 13 students of the Federal Government College, Enugu, for six weeks following allegations of bullying within the school.
The Director of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Education, Folashade Boriowo, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, ordered the suspension after a video showing students engaging in bullying went viral. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment in federal schools, Alausa said a recent report received by the ministry had raised concerns over the incident at the Enugu college.
According to the report, an SS1 day student was gang-assaulted by a group of students on November 7. The incident came to light after a disturbing video circulated on social media platforms.
In response, the ministry established a disciplinary committee to investigate. Based on its findings, all 13 students involved were placed on a six-week suspension pending further reports from the committee.
Alausa also directed the School-Based Management Committee to work with security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, including examining any possible affiliations with external groups.
He added that immediate measures had been taken to bolster security at the college, with law enforcement agents engaged and existing safety protocols under review.
Additionally, counselling and rehabilitation support would be provided to promote the reintegration of affected students into a positive school environment.
The Guardian had earlier reported that the Enugu State Government ordered an investigation, arrest, and prosecution of students involved in the bullying incident.
In a statement, the State Commissioner for Education, Prof Ndubueze Mbah, condemned the act, describing it as deeply troubling and unacceptable.The state government reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards bullying and abuse in educational institutions, assuring the public that it would hold the offending students and any negligent officials accountable.
