In current days, Igbinedion Education Centre has been in the news following an infamous bullying event that has stirred prevalent outrage. A viral video recorded the minute a group of trainees let loose horror on a fellow trainee in a remote location of the school, raising serious concerns across the education neighborhood.
The disturbing video triggered intense responses from worried educators and members of the general public, much of whom questioned how such an act might be performed with such boldness and obvious impunity. Observers likewise raised crucial concerns about supervision, wondering why no instructor or adult existed at the scene. Parents, understandably, have actually expressed deep concerns over the security of their kids within the school environment.
Bullying, no doubt, stays a repeating issue in many schools. In some circumstances, it is handled internally, as lots of proprietors prefer to avoid public examination that might harm their credibility or bring in legal consequences. However, it is commonly acknowledged that bullying is not tolerated and need to be dealt with decisively, as it is fundamentally a violation of human dignit.
In reaction to the recent incident, Igbinedion Education Centre took a drastic step by expelling the primary wrongdoers and their accomplices. While the choice surprised some parents, it also drew commendation from sections of the public who considered it as a firm position versus indiscipline.
However, viewpoints stay divided.
Having thoroughly taken a look at the scenario and the penalty portioned, Edugist, an education-focused media organisation, moved to sample the opinions of stakeholders including school administrators, instructors, counsellors, legal specialists, and parents. As an organisation committed to education advancement, it is incumbent on us to engage seriously in matters of this nature.
While many consider the school’s action appropriate, we maintain that expulsion needs to not always be the default response. There are alternative corrective steps that can be explored. From experience, expelling students for bullying has not effectively eliminated the issue. If the goal is to truly suppress bullying, then services need to go beyond simply eliminating wrongdoers from the school environment.
Stakeholders Speak
Adenike Ogungbo, Education Officer I, turned down expulsion as the most suitable action, mentioning clearly.
“No, expulsion is not too appropriate for bullying. The trainee should see school counsellors, be given after-school detention or unique projects, and also take part in school or community service.”
Nkechukwufunnaya Ugbo, Education Expert, offered a more reflective take, saying:
“Many kids who bully others were once bullied themselves. This does not excuse the behaviour, however it advises us that correction should be deliberate and corrective.”
She included, “In my viewpoint, expulsion must not always be the first action. If the kid shows authentic effort and quantifiable behavioural change, the choice to expel might be delayed while the trainee is placed under structured behavioural tracking and counselling.”
On the broader problem, she alerted, “If bullying is an age-long practice in the school, then the concern surpasses private students; it suggests a systemic and structural issue within the institution.”
Ismail Àwòfẹ́ Agbéyínká, Academic Administrator, supported a more balanced technique, “Expulsion is appropriate because it secures other trainees and sends a strong message, however it is inadequate. Expulsion eliminates the problem from the school, however it does not necessarily fix the problem in the kid.”
He further worried the legal and moral weight of the event, “What happened was not common bullying; it is a clear case of assault and battery. The case should be examined by police so the students understand that violence has legal effects.”
Olaniyi Olusoji Ezekiel, Head of School, highlighted that education should surpass penalty, “Expulsion can be suitable for major or consistent bullying, however it is generally a last hope due to the fact that the goal of education is not only punishment however also rehab and character development.”
From a legal viewpoint, Barrister Idowu Awopeju kept in mind, “Under the Violence Versus Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015, what we saw because video is a criminal offense in Nigeria. The trainees involved should be turned over to the authorities and taken through the juvenile justice system.”
Also weighing in, Adeola Adenubi, Master Principal Option Engineer, promoted structured correction: “The trainee must go through distinct counselling with measurable turning points. She or he has to be brought to the realization of the unsuitable behaviour and its ramifications on others.”
Beyond Expulsion
From the range of viewpoints tested, one thing is clear: expulsion alone may not suffice to address the deeper problems surrounding bullying. Stakeholders are progressively advocating for a more holistic approach– one that integrates discipline with rehabilitation, justice, and avoidance.
Alternative steps recommended include behavioural intervention strategies, counselling, restorative justice practices, monitored probation, social work, and stronger school policies that actively discourage bullying.
If the objective is to genuinely curb bullying in schools, then the conversation needs to shift from reaction to prevention, and from penalty alone to significant transformation.