“A Child Who Learns in Fear Cannot Learn Right” — Tinubu Launches National Offensive Against Bullying

• President Bola Tinubu has raised alarm over Nigeria’s child bullying crisis, disclosing that 65% of school-age children are victims of violence, intimidation, or neglect.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a blistering public condemnation of Nigeria’s growing child bullying epidemic, revealing that a staggering 65% of school-age children have suffered physical, emotional, or social aggression.

Marking the 2025 National Children’s Day, he declared: “A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right.

Speaking from Abuja on May 27, Tinubu unveiled a series of legal, institutional, and grassroots responses to end child violence and neglect.

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The measures include a national enforcement push, community-level systems, and strengthened protection laws. His speech aligns with this year’s Children’s Day theme: “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation.”

Tinubu cited alarming statistics: “Globally, more than 1 in 3 children experience bullying regularly. In Nigeria, studies estimate that up to 65% of school-age children have experienced some form of physical, psychological, or social aggression.”

He condemned the national silence and inaction, warning: “This is unacceptable.”

The President confirmed that his administration is reviewing the Child Rights Act (2003) and Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to expand their reach and close enforcement gaps. He said, “We are also leveraging the Cybercrime Act, which is in full force, to protect children from cyberbullying, exploitation, and abuse.”

Systemic Action Under Renewed Hope Agenda

Reiterating his commitment, Tinubu declared, “We prioritise child protection under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He announced the full implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), a roadmap designed to prosecute perpetrators and support victims.

Community Responsibility and New Tools
According to the President, “Laws alone will not be sufficient to protect our children. We require a holistic approach where parents, teachers, caregivers, faith leaders, lawmakers, and citizens must take ownership.”

New systems include the expansion of the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), guidelines for school safety, and social-emotional learning in teacher training.

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Tinubu addressed child health and welfare, noting, “Through the Nutrition 774 project, we are reaching every community… guaranteeing that children receive the necessary nutrition to thrive in their academic pursuits, creative endeavours, and overall health.”

He also cited efforts to scale up Mother and Child Hospitals, and establish a dedicated Department of Nutrition.

To empower children to speak up, Tinubu said, “Your dreams matter. Your voices matter. No one has the right to hurt, silence, or diminish you.”

He launched a national child vigilance campaign urging every Nigerian to take action: “See Something, Say Something, Do Something.”