“A Child Who Learns in Fear Cannot Learn Right” Tinubu pledges to Eradicate Bullying Nationwide
President Bola Tinubu issued a stark warning to launch Nigeria’s 2025 National Children’s Day celebrations, unveiling a comprehensive campaign aimed at eliminating all forms of bullying, whether physical, psychological, or online, within schools and communities across the country.
Building a bullying-free generation
Speaking under the theme “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” President Tinubu called on all Nigerians, including parents, teachers, technology companies, and law enforcement, to unite against a menace that undermines self-esteem, disrupts learning, and leaves lasting scars. “Violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in our homes, schools, or digital spaces,” he emphasized, highlighting that a child who learns in fear is stripped of the right to thrive in Nigeria.
Alarming statistics spur urgency
Tinubu reminded the audience that around one in three children worldwide live with the threat of bullying every day, and here in Nigeria, almost two out of every three students have felt its pain before calling for urgent action. “Our Renewed Hope Agenda places child protection at its core,” he noted, unveiling Nigeria’s newly launched National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), which outlines measures for prevention, prosecution, and support backed by dedicated funding.
Essential elements of the offensive
- Policy & Enforcement: Strengthening school codes of conduct, mandating anti-bullying protocols, and ensuring swift legal action against perpetrators.
- Education & Training: Implementing nationwide workshops for teachers and parents on recognising early warning signs, conflict resolution, and digital safety.
- Safe Spaces: Establishing monitored “Child Safe Zones” in every local government area, which include on-campus counselling centres and trusted online reporting portals.
- Multi-Sector Collaboration: Partnering with tech firms to combat cyberbullying, NGOs to provide victim support, and community leaders to promote inclusivity.
The first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, reinforced the campaign’s message by urging guardians to model compassion: “True leadership begins with caring for one another,” she stated, announcing a parallel initiative to train 10,000 “Bullying Ambassadors” among youth clubs and faith-based organizations.
With the launch of this initiative, Nigeria aims not only to reduce incidents of bullying by 50% within two years but also to create an environment where every child can learn and thrive safely.
