The Federal Ministry of Education has announced stringent measures to address the rising incidents of physical assault among students in Unity Colleges, including indefinite suspension for those found guilty of causing bodily harm.

This directive was outlined in a memo signed by the Permanent Secretary, Nasir Gwarzo, and obtained in Abuja. The ministry expressed concern over the alarming increase in violent acts among students and emphasized its zero-tolerance stance on such behavior.

Recent Suspension Over Bullying Incident

On November 7, 2024, 13 students of the Federal Government College, Enugu, were suspended for six weeks following allegations of bullying a fellow Senior Secondary School 1 student. The action came after a disturbing video surfaced online showing a group of students physically assaulting another.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, ordered the temporary suspension to allow for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

Tougher Penalties for Assault

In response to the growing menace of student violence, the ministry introduced stricter penalties to deter further occurrences. According to the memo:

“Any student or group of students found culpable of physical assault leading to bodily injury on another student or group of students will be suspended indefinitely from the college.”

The directive, part of the ministry’s approved guidelines for offenses and punishments, aims to address escalating reports of bullying in both private and government schools nationwide.

College Administrators Directed to Enforce New Policy

The ministry has instructed college administrators to strictly adhere to the new directive and inform Student-Based Management Committee (SBMC) members and parents about the policy.

The statement read:

“Ensure that you comply strictly with the content of this circular and inform SBMC members and parents accordingly.”

This development underscores the government’s commitment to creating a safe learning environment and curbing acts of cruelty and violence in schools.