Tinubu Condemns Bullying in Schools, Pledges Stronger Protection for Nigerian Children

President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned bullying in Nigerian schools, describing it as entirely unacceptable. Delivering a heartfelt message to mark the 2025 National Children’s Day on Tuesday, the President emphasized the urgent need to create safe, nurturing environments for children across the country.

The theme for this year’s celebration, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” underscores the national focus on protecting children from intimidation and harm, both in physical and digital spaces.

“A child who learns in fear cannot learn well, and a child who grows in fear cannot grow right,” Tinubu stated. He noted that globally, more than one in three children experience bullying regularly, while in Nigeria, as many as 65% of school-aged children have encountered some form of physical, psychological, or social aggression.

In a message he personally penned, the President addressed Nigerian children as “the pride and future of our great nation,” reaffirming his administration’s commitment to their protection and development.

“On this special day,” Tinubu said, “I join you in celebration with immense pride and profound joy. Let me reassure you of our dedication to nurturing and safeguarding you as the future leaders, innovators, and changemakers of Nigeria.”

He continued by calling children the most precious part of the nation’s fabric—“the heartbeat of our future” and “custodians of tomorrow’s promise.”

Highlighting recent government efforts to protect the rights and well-being of children, Tinubu detailed several key policies under his administration:

• Child Protection Priority: Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, child protection has been placed at the forefront of national policy.
• National Action Plan (2024–2030): The recently launched National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children provides a roadmap for preventing abuse, prosecuting offenders, and supporting victims through robust funding and cross-sector coordination.
• Legislative Reforms: The federal government is currently reviewing the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to strengthen legal protections, close enforcement gaps, and ensure nationwide applicability.
• Cyber Protection: Tinubu also underscored the full enforcement of the Cybercrime Act, aimed at shielding children from online bullying, exploitation, and abuse.

“The culture we are building must be one where every child feels safe, respected, and heard,” the President concluded. “Violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in today’s Nigeria.”