Federal Government launches hotlines to combat school bullying

The event, attended by students, parents, school owners, and government officials, addressed the widespread issue of bullying in Nigerian schools, with studies indicating that 70 to 85 percent of students have experienced it. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Abel Enitan, represented by Assistant Director Gender Augustina Apakasa, announced two hotlines: 09012660044 for calls and 08052536133 for WhatsApp messages, along with an email address, antibullying@education.gov.ng. Additionally, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons NAPTIP, represented by Director, Violence Against Persons Prohibition, Rebecca Enwusoyele, provided a toll-free short code, 627, and an email address, @naptip.com.gov. NAPTIP stated that while bullying is not explicitly mentioned in the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015, sections on intimidation, threat, and willfully placing someone in fear provide a legal basis for intervention.

The National Safe School Response Coordination Centre, represented by Special Assistant Adebola Adeoye, also shared its hotline: 09131232323. Programme Manager of International Alert Nigeria, Sunday Jimoh, indicated that a communiqué and advocacy note would be produced to engage policymakers on the implementation of an existing anti-bullying Bill.