KICKING OUT SCHOOL VIOLENCE FROM NIGERIAN SCHOOL SYSTEM: A SAFEWAY TO SCHOOL SUCCESS AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Stories of brutalization and sexual molestation of students/pupils across primary and secondary schools in Nigeria is now becoming the norm. Some of the victims suffer physical and mental trauma, while others lose their lives in the process. Asough (2021) gave a thorough situational analysis of school bullying cases that shocked Nigeria. Some of the cases are captured here. Recall the case of Master Sylvester Oromoni of the Dowen College, Lagos who died on November 30, 2021 after nursing multiple internal injuries he reportedly sustained after being beaten by fellow students. It was alleged that the young lad refused to succumb to pressure from some fellow students to have him join a cult group. Though the school authorities denied this allegation, saying that Sylvester Oromoni
died of injuries sustained while playing football with his mates, the parents were later to reveal that shortly before Sylvester died, he opened up to them that he did not play football. That five big boys barged into his hostel, put off the lights and beat him up
in the presence of other students. The parents further claimed that Sylvester was fed with liquid substance described as a chemical for refusing to join a cult group. The story of Karen Hapuch Akpagher is not easily forgotten. In June 2021, this 14 years old female boarding student of Primiere Academy, Lugbe, Abuja was sexually assaulted and died on June 22, 2021 in an Abuja hospital of complications from the injuries and trauma she suffered. At the time of death, a condom was said to have been found in her private part.