By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Lead British International School in Abuja has been shut down for three days by the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, following a viral video of bullying involving some of its students.
The shutdown order was issued on Tuesday, and the school’s management confirmed the development in a statement.
“Yes, it was shut down by the honourable Minister of Women Affairs for 3 days,” said Kabiru Musa, Public Relations Officer of the FCT Education Secretariat, in response to a Whatsapp message sent by a Nigerian newspaper.
The shutdown comes after a video emerged on social media showing a female student being repeatedly slapped by another female classmate.
The video sparked outrage and calls for justice for the victim.
A third video depicting a separate case of bullying at the school also emerged on Tuesday, showing male students surrounding and slapping another boy.
The Minister of Women Affairs visited the school and ordered its closure for three days, citing respect for rules and regulations.
In a letter addressed to the school management, the student who was assaulted, Namtira Bwala, demanded a thorough investigation and heavy sanctions for the 11 students involved in the bullying.
She gave the school an ultimatum of 48 hours to take action, failing which she would seek legal redress.
The incident has sparked concerns about bullying in private schools in the FCT, and it is unclear whether the FCTA will use the occasion to investigate other schools where similar incidents have occurred.
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