The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has announced a substantial allocation of N32 billion aimed at enhancing and developing the skills of 8,888 teachers across Nigeria. This initiative is designed to equip educators with the essential skills and resources necessary to effectively train children, positively influence their development, and cultivate vital life skills. The ultimate goal is to combat drug abuse and bullying in schools.
During a stakeholders’ engagement event in Abuja, UNESCO’s representative highlighted the significance of this project in preparation for a national training aimed at addressing the pressing issues of bullying and drug abuse among students. The announcement follows a troubling incident at Lead British International School, Abuja, where a bullying video went viral, prompting swift action from authorities and the brief closure of the school.
School bullying is characterized by intentional aggressive behavior that reflects a power imbalance, frequently occurring over time. A recent study in Edo State revealed that 51.9% of students experienced bullying, with 27.9% acknowledging they had bullied others.
UNESCO aims to combat these issues by dispatching trained teachers across all states in Nigeria to raise awareness among children and adolescents about the dangers of bullying and drug abuse. These educators will also focus on disseminating critical information regarding these societal challenges.
Representatives from UNESCO emphasized the urgent need to address drug abuse, which is alarmingly prevalent in Nigeria. They elaborated on the initiative to build capacity among teachers, enabling them to investigate and share vital information on drug-related issues and bullying within the educational system.
Furthermore, it was recommended that schools develop safe spaces where students can voice their concerns about bullying. The ambitious N32 billion project is set to empower teachers to conduct programs that will spread awareness and impart knowledge to both educators and students, with an emphasis on skills acquisition.
UNESCO has also collaborated with the Nigerian government to establish a Code of Conduct aimed at tackling drug abuse and bullying within schools. The organization urged the government to collaborate with other agencies in the continuous fight against these issues threatening the educational landscape.
Stakeholders, including those from various foundations, echoed the necessity of a united front to address the deep-rooted problems of bullying and drug abuse. They highlighted that without timely intervention, the effects of these challenges on young individuals can be detrimental, leading to mental health issues and disengagement from education.
The commitment to training teachers as part of this initiative is seen as a viable solution to significantly diminish the incidence of bullying and drug abuse in Nigerian schools. The emphasis is on collaboration with various agencies to create comprehensive training materials aimed at equipping teachers to effectively tackle these critical societal challenges.
