The Federal Government has suspended 13 students from the Federal Government College in Enugu for six weeks following allegations of bullying, which surfaced in a viral video.
The suspension was ordered by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and was announced in a statement by the Ministry of Education’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folashade Boriowo, on Wednesday.
The incident, which reportedly involved a gang assault on a first-year senior secondary (SS1) day student on November 7, raised serious concerns over student safety.
“The ministry received a report on this bullying incident, which raised significant concerns about discipline and the overall safety of students,” Alausa explained. “In response, we promptly convened a disciplinary committee to investigate.”
Based on the initial findings, the ministry suspended all 13 students involved pending the conclusion of a detailed investigation by the committee. “All 13 students are now on a six-week suspension, pending the outcome of the investigation,” Boriowo stated.
The Minister emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring a safe learning environment in all federal schools.
“The Ministry of Education is resolute in maintaining secure and supportive educational spaces for students across the country,” Alausa said.
To further investigate, Alausa directed the school’s management to collaborate with security agencies, ensuring a thorough inquiry into the students’ actions, including any potential links to external influences.
He also announced measures to improve campus security. “We have reinforced security at the college, engaging law enforcement to strengthen protection and reviewing current safety protocols,” he noted.
Alausa also highlighted plans for counseling and rehabilitation support to help students reintegrate positively, stressing that the school environment must foster both discipline and personal growth.