Lead British School in Nigeria Summoned by Federal Government Over Alleged Bullying Incident

The Federal Government of Nigeria has summoned the Lead British International School in Abuja over an alleged bullying incident involving a female student named Namtira Bwala. The school has been asked to provide an explanation for the incident, which reportedly involved Bwala being subjected to physical abuse by another student named Mariam.

Viral videos of the incident have sparked outrage among Nigerians, showing Bwala being slapped multiple times by Mariam and an unidentified female student. The school has condemned the incident, initiated an investigation, and promised to review and update its anti-bullying policies and procedures. They have also stated that they will work with the perpetrators and their families to offer counseling and disciplinary measures.

Why this matters: The case has highlighted the issue of bullying in Nigerian schools and the need for stronger measures to address such incidents. The outcome of the Federal Government's intervention and the school's response could set a precedent for how educational institutions handle bullying cases in the future.

In response to the incident, the school has been temporarily shut down for three days by the FCT Education authorities. The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohaneye, visited the school and condemned the bullying incident, promising to get justice for the victim. She also asked the school management to address cases of bullying and provide support for students who have been bullied.

The Nigeria Police have deployed seasoned officers to the school premises to conduct inquiries into the reported cases of bullying. The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has responded proactively to the incident to investigate and prevent any possible breakdown of law and order.

The victim, through her lawyers, has demanded a thorough investigation and strict sanctions against the eleven students involved, giving the school a 48-hour window to respond before pursuing legal action. She has expressed that she has been left emotionally and physically traumatized by the incident.

The Lead British International School management has acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and stated that they have reached out to the victim and her parents to provide support and counseling services. A panel has been constituted to investigate the incident and other allegations of bullying in the school. "The school is treating the matter with utmost seriousness, has been in contact with the victim and her parents, and will provide counseling and impose disciplinary actions on the perpetrators," stated Abraham Ogunkambi, the head of the school.

Key Takeaways

• Nigerian govt summons Lead British School over student bullying incident
• Viral video sparks outrage, school condemns incident, promises policy review
• School temporarily shut down, authorities vow to investigate and provide justice
• Police deployed to school, victim demands thorough probe and sanctions
• School acknowledges seriousness, reaches out to victim, forms investigation panel