A non-profit organisation, S.A.F.E® for Children Society, has voiced concerns over an alleged bullying incident involving a female student at Lead British International School in Abuja.
The organisation expressed deep distress over the incident, which has sparked widespread outrage on social media and prompted calls for the school’s closure.
S.A.F.E® for Children Society, dedicated to the safeguarding and protection of children, has always highlighted significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of the school’s Child Safeguarding and Protection Policy/System.
It therefore called for a thorough investigation into the alleged bullying incident, urging authorities to prioritise the safety and welfare of students.
This was contained in a statement signed by Taiwo Akinlami on Tuesday which he said was in the best INTEREST of “our Precious African Children.”
According to him, the organisation in a broadcast message on April 19, 2024, on its YouTube Channel(Taiwo AKINLAMI YouTube Channel) highlighted the issue of bullying and emphasised the critical lessons that must be learnt from the events leading to Sylvester Oromoni’s heartbreaking death.
“Today, yet another prestigious institution finds itself in the headlines for a similar reason—an alleged case of bullying. This recurring pattern demonstrates a failure to learn from past mistakes and implement effective measures to safeguard our children within the educational system. It is imperative that we break this cycle and ensure that our schools are safe havens for all students, he stated.
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The legal practitioner said it is important to reiterate the lessons earlier stated in Sylvester Oromoni’s case regarding the persistence of bullying within the school system.
He therefore called for the establishment of a Comprehensive Child Safeguarding System; implementation of a codified Child Safeguarding and Protection System as a policy, complete with detailed processes; as well as the need to train all stakeholders, including students, until safeguarding and protection are deeply embedded in the school culture.
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Other measures advocated include integrating anti-bullying measures; and anti-bullying policies, adding that their implementation should be central to the Child Safeguarding and Protection System/Policy that will ensure that these measures are fundamental and effectively executed.
He emphasised the need to “Reassess Educational Curriculum; modify the curriculum to focus equally on behavioural outcomes and soft skills alongside academic learning outcomes.” To him, this shift will foster a more holistic development approach, prioritising behavioural improvement.
He asked the Nigerian Ministry of Education to enforce the implementation of the 2015 Violence Against Children Report’s priority actions, which mandate that Child Safeguarding and Protection Policies are prerequisites for all Child-Focused Organisations, including schools.
This is as he sought a collaborative partnerships for prevention by developing robust partnerships between parents and schools to formulate and implement preventative measures against bullying, grounded in strong and shared values.
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