By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Bullying, though a longstanding issue, has taken on deeper and more troubling dimensions in Nigeria, emerging as a critical social concern with far-reaching consequences. From the classrooms of primary and secondary schools to university campuses, workplaces, and even within households, the manifestations of bullying are becoming more visible—and more dangerous. It is no longer a matter of harmless teasing or discipline, as it is often brushed aside, but a form of psychological, emotional, and at times physical harm that leaves lasting scars.
In Nigeria, bullying takes many forms—verbal abuse, physical aggression, emotional manipulation, and increasingly, cyberbullying. In boarding schools, for instance, senior students frequently subject juniors to various forms of intimidation, all in the name of tradition or hierarchy. In the workplace, individuals in positions of power sometimes use their authority to humiliate or suppress others. These patterns are often normalized and rarely challenged, deeply rooted in cultural beliefs that valorize toughness and obedience. Victims are frequently told to endure, pray, or are blamed for being weak, further silencing their voices and discouraging them from seeking help.
This culture of silence and denial has allowed bullying to thrive unchecked. The tragic case of 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni, a student of Dowen College in Lagos, served as a sobering national wake-up call. His death in 2021, allegedly caused by injuries inflicted during a bullying incident, triggered nationwide outrage and forced many to confront the dangers lurking within institutions that should offer safety and growth. Yet, Sylvester’s case is only one among countless others, with many incidents never gaining public attention or receiving justice.
Schools, ideally, should be at the forefront of preventing and addressing bullying. However, many educational institutions in Nigeria lack clear anti-bullying policies or fail to enforce them when they exist. Teachers and school staff are often untrained to recognize or respond effectively to bullying, while some school administrations prioritize protecting their image over protecting their students. This negligence contributes to an unsafe environment where bullying can continue unabated and unchallenged.
Parents also have a vital role to play. Beyond providing care and guidance, they must foster open communication with their children, listening closely for signs of distress or behavioral changes. Cultivating empathy and teaching respect at home are key to curbing bullying before it starts or escalates.
With the rapid rise in internet access and social media usage, bullying has taken on new digital forms. On platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), young people are increasingly targeted through online shaming, blackmail, and harassment. The anonymity of the internet gives bullies a wider reach and a false sense of power, while their victims are often left feeling exposed, helpless, and unsupported. Although Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act of 2015 offers some legal protection, enforcement remains weak, and many victims are unaware of their rights or the mechanisms available to report cyberbullying.
The impact of bullying on mental health is profound. Victims often suffer from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and in severe cases, post-traumatic stress disorder. In a country where mental health support is severely underdeveloped and stigmatized, many victims are left to suffer in silence. The few mental health services that exist are either inaccessible or unaffordable to the average Nigerian, compounding the damage inflicted by bullying.
Addressing bullying in Nigeria requires more than piecemeal efforts—it demands a collective shift in mindset and sustained commitment from all sectors of society. Schools must become safe spaces where respect and dignity are non-negotiable values. Educators need the tools and training to intervene early and effectively. Parents must remain vigilant and supportive. The government has a responsibility to enforce existing laws and implement new policies that protect individuals from all forms of bullying, both offline and online. And as a society, there must be a concerted effort to change the narrative—to recognize bullying for what it truly is: a violation of human dignity and a threat to personal development.
Bullying is not a rite of passage, and it should never be tolerated under the guise of culture or tradition. Every Nigerian child, student, and worker deserves to live, learn, and thrive in an environment that upholds their safety, self-worth, and peace of mind. Until this becomes our shared reality, the fight against bullying must continue—with urgency, empathy, and resolve.