National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Nigerian Schools & Implementation Guidelines (2025)

A Policy provides a dedicated framework for preventing and eliminating all forms of bullying within Nigerian schools. It mandates action against physical, verbal, psychological, and cyberbullying, involving students, teachers, and parents. The policy aims to ensure safe, respectful, and nurturing learning environments for every student.

What Is This Policy?

The National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Nigerian Schools is the Federal Government's dedicated framework for preventing, detecting, responding to, and eliminating all forms of bullying in Nigerian schools — including physical, verbal, psychological, and cyberbullying — to create safe, respectful, and nurturing learning environments for every student.

Who Does It Target?

Students in all federal, state, and private primary and secondary schools School administrators, principals, and teachers as duty-bearers for student safety Parents, guardians, and community stakeholders co-responsible for anti-bullying Unity School principals and headteachers in Federal Government Colleges and JSS schools School counsellors and mental health support staff providing psychological care to affected students

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Establish Nigeria's zero-tolerance standard on all forms of bullying in schools — physical, verbal, psychological, and cyber Define clear responsibilities for schools, teachers, parents, and students in preventing, detecting, and responding to bullying Create safe, inclusive school environments protecting the mental health, dignity, and academic performance of every learner Align with the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools (2021) to deliver a comprehensive school safety system

Key Features

Four Forms Covered: Physical bullying; verbal bullying (name-calling, ridicule); psychological/relational bullying; and cyberbullying via social media and messaging National Anti-Bullying Committee: Inaugurated May 2025 to oversee implementation, receive escalated complaints, and coordinate system-wide responses School-Level Protocols: Every school must develop an Anti-Bullying Action Plan and designate a trained Bullying Prevention Officer from its staff Nationwide Sensitisation: Mandatory school and community campaigns educating students, teachers, and parents on bullying recognition and response Reporting Channels: Clear escalation pathway: student → Bullying Prevention Officer → School Principal → LGA Education Authority → FME Graduated Disciplinary Framework: Responses range from counselling and mediation to suspension — matched to severity of the bullying behavior

Current Status

The policy is under consideration or planned for implementation, as it is titled for 2025 and outlines a framework for Nigerian schools without indicating current enforcement.

Legal Framework

The National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Nigerian Schools operates under the Child Rights Act 2003, the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act 2004, and the National Education Policy. It aligns with the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, the Safe Schools Declaration, and Nigeria's obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).