SCHOOLS:WOVAIDE Trains 31 School Leaders in Taraba on Anti-Bullying Policy to Curb Rising Student Vulnerability.

By our Correspondent, March 26, 2026.

A non-governmental organization, Women of Valour Initiative for Development and Empowerment, WOVAIDE, has intensified efforts to tackle bullying and its far-reaching consequences in schools with the successful training of 31 proprietors and principals of selected private secondary schools in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The one-day orientation workshop, which focused on the newly introduced Anti-Bullying Policy 2025, brought together critical stakeholders in the education sector to address what experts describe as a growing threat to student well-being and academic continuity.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of WOVAIDE, Mrs Sarah David Ibi , emphasized the urgent need for school authorities to remain vigilant against all forms of bullying, whether perpetrated by teachers, fellow students, caregivers, or even parents.

She cited research findings indicating that between 70 and 80 percent of students lose interest in attending school due to bullying, describing the trend as alarming and detrimental to the future of young learners.

Also addressing participants, the Chairperson of the WOVAIDE Board of Trustees,Mrs Esther Y. Sule underscored the broader social implications of unchecked bullying.

 She warned that students who are repeatedly victimized may develop mental health challenges and become increasingly vulnerable to negative external influences.

According to her, such students often find themselves caught between hostile school environments and unstable home conditions, creating openings for exploitation by criminal networks. These may include involvement in substance abuse, internet fraud, human trafficking, and other forms of social vices, including sexual and gender-based violence.

The workshop highlighted the multifaceted nature of bullying, noting that it extends beyond physical abuse to include emotional, psychological, and verbal attacks, as well as sexual harassment and rape. Facilitators stressed that these forms of abuse are often interconnected and require a coordinated response.

Participants were introduced to the Anti-Bullying Policy 2025, which aims to equip school administrators with the necessary framework to detect, prevent, and respond effectively to incidents of bullying. The policy is expected to foster safer school environments, strengthen student-teacher relationships, and restore confidence in the education system.

WOVAIDE noted that increased awareness and implementation of the policy would encourage school leaders to pay closer attention to student welfare, ultimately promoting a culture where learners feel safe, valued, and motivated to pursue their education.

The organization further called for stronger collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs), and other stakeholders to combat bullying and gender-based violence.

Participants were urged to adopt a proactive stance by reporting all forms of harassment and abuse, reinforcing the campaign’s central message: “If you see any form of harassment, take action by reporting.”

The workshop was rounded up with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to champion the fight against bullying, with advocacy slogans such as #NoToBullying, #NoToSexualHarassment, #NoToGenderBasedViolence, and #YesToFreedom echoing throughout the session.