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• Inaugurates anti-bullying policy document
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Federal Government said, yesterday, it was committed to the education system that will provide empowerment and liberation for Nigerians, providing the opportunity to significantly contribute to the growth and development of the economy.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, renewed the commitment at the quarterly citizens and stakeholders engagement session in Abuja.
He said the government has taken serious measures that would strengthen the education system, preparing Nigerian students for the opportunities ahead mostly driven by technology.
The minister, in response to public debate, maintained that the government has taken the final decision on moving NECO and WAEC examinations to Computer-Based Test (CBT) from the next examination session later in the year.
“CBT system will significantly reduce the cases of examination malpractices and impersonations being recorded during these examinations. We can attest to the fact that the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) being conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has gained some level of credibility, and that was because it was moved to CBT. We want similar experience in NECO and WAEC examinations,” he said.
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In her remarks, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’ad Ahmad, noted that education being a tool for individual, community, country, and global development can not be treated in isolation.
“It is in realisation of this that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) classified education as an exportable commodity. By extension, therefore, the need for both local and international collaboration becomes a necessity. The path to transforming education in Nigeria requires unwavering dedication, collaboration, and innovation.
“As we continue to pursue credible data systems, reduce the number of out-of-school children, and expand access to skill acquisition, we want to hear your perceptions on the journey so far, and also to listen to suggestions on more areas requiring urgent attention and priority focus.”
She announced the launch of the National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Nigerian schools and its implementation guidelines, stating that the policy comes at a critical time when the mental health, safety, and dignity of learners must be safeguarded across all learning environments.
She stated that bullying undermines not only the well-being of students, but also their ability to learn and thrive, hence the National Policy on Anti-Bullying sets a clear framework for preventing and responding to all forms of bullying in schools which could come in the form of physical, verbal, psychological, and cyberbullying.
“It defines the responsibilities of school administrators, teachers, students, parents, and community stakeholders. Most importantly, it promotes a culture of respect, empathy, and accountability. With the inauguration of this policy, we are not just adopting a document. We are committing to a nationwide movement for safer, more inclusive, and nurturing school environments.”
She commended the technical teams, partners, and all stakeholders who have contributed to the development of the policy. “Your dedication continues to drive progress toward the kind of education system our children deserve, one that is transformative, inclusive, and resilient,” she said.
