The Federal Government has introduced dedicated phone lines, WhatsApp contact and email channels for students, parents and schools to report bullying for swift intervention.
The reporting channels were announced in Abuja during a stakeholders’ dialogue on anti-bullying in schools organised by International Alert Nigeria, which brought together students, parents, school proprietors, youth corps members, civil society actors and education officials.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, officials disclosed that the ministry’s anti-bullying implementation committee now operates two hotlines. Calls can be made to 09012660044, while reports can also be sent via WhatsApp to 08052536133.
Complaints can additionally be emailed to [email protected] for follow-up action.
According to education authorities, bullying in Nigerian schools continues to take physical, verbal and psychological forms, with studies indicating that a large percentage of students have experienced one form of abuse or another.
Also speaking at the event, representatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons said the agency has made its toll-free short code 627 available for victims. The agency noted that while bullying is not directly named in the law, provisions within the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act allow it to step in when cases involve intimidation, threats, injury or fear.
Officials explained that depending on the severity of cases, minors involved may be counselled, warned or referred for further action to prevent repeated abuse.
The National Safe School Response Coordination Centre also urged the public to make use of its emergency line 09131232323 to report incidents affecting students’ safety.
Organisers of the dialogue said outcomes from the meeting would be compiled into a communiqué and advocacy document to engage policymakers on enforcing anti-bullying measures across schools nationwide.
They added that attention is now shifting from policy discussions to ensuring effective implementation and cooperation among stakeholders.
