The federal government has introduced dedicated emergency hotlines and a WhatsApp reporting channel to address the rising cases of bullying in Nigerian schools.
The initiative was unveiled during a one-day stakeholders consultative dialogue on anti-bullying in schools held in Abuja on Friday.
The event, organised by International Alert Nigeria, brought together students, parents, school administrators, civil society groups, and government representatives.
Officials from the Federal Ministry of Education, disclosed that multiple reporting channels have been activated under a national anti-bullying framework. Victims, parents, and school authorities can now report incidents via:Hotline: 09012660044, WhatsApp: 08052536133 and email: [email protected]
Representing the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Abel Enitan, an official stressed that all reports received through these platforms would be treated promptly.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) also highlighted its toll-free short code 627, which victims can use to report bullying-related abuse.
According to the agency, while bullying is not explicitly defined under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, provisions dealing with intimidation, threats, and harm provide a legal basis to intervene.
The National Safe School Response Coordination Centre also urged the public to utilise its hotline (09131232323) for immediate support.
Speakers at the event noted that bullying remains widespread across Nigerian schools, with studies indicating that between 70% and 85% of students have experienced some form of physical, verbal, or psychological abuse.
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Officials cited troubling examples, including cases of sexual abuse and institutional negligence.
In one instance, a school allegedly failed to cooperate with investigators probing a bullying and assault case.
Another report involved a school where students engaged in sexual activity were reportedly forced into marriage, an issue currently under investigation.
Programme Manager of International Alert Nigeria, Sunday Jimoh, said the dialogue would produce a communiqué and advocacy document aimed at strengthening policy implementation.
He noted that Nigeria already has an anti-bullying bill passed in 2026, but emphasized that effective enforcement and stakeholder collaboration remain critical.
The government says the new reporting mechanisms are part of a wider effort to create safer learning environments and ensure that victims of bullying receive timely intervention and protection.
The initiative signals a stronger institutional response to a long-standing issue affecting students nationwide.
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