Some Nigerians have reacted to a video shared on social media platforms showing some King’s College, Lagos, boys bullying fellow (junior) students.
The video was reportedly recorded by a student of the school, who complained that he is a victim of bullying. In it, students are seen hitting their fellow students across the face multiple times.
Top media personality, Yeni Kuti expressed concern over the incident, noting that what is more shocking is the fact that some Nigerians are saying such development is “normal,” and asking why beating kids should be “normal.”
“A young boy I know attends King’s College and complains of being bullied. He sent this video he recorded to his ward, of young boys being bullied. I know a young lady who works with me and surprise! surprise! she says it’s normal. I am in acute SHOCK! NORMAL???
“How can beating young kids be normal. What if they are injured? I beg o, please tell me am I too old? Is this normal. Shouldn’t something be done about this before a child gets seriously injured? I was never a boarder so I don’t think I can ever understand beating people’s children like this,” she stated on social media, while also calling on authorities to do something about bullies in Nigerian schools.
Adesola Idowu, an entertainer, popularly known as Weird MC, also condemned the act, revealing that she was also a victim but had to stand for herself and others.
On her Instagram page, she stated, “It is normal, it happens everywhere even out here in the United Kingdom but the day someone tried it with me, it was the last time she ever tried it. I had to stand for myself and I washed out for others too.”
Kings College keeps mum
The school authority at Kings College, Lagos is yet to issue a statement on the development that many have described as embarrassing and shocking.
A source in the school, who preferred anonymity, told Nairametrics that such incidents and many more actually happen in the school, as she also expected the school management to do more in curbing such menace.
She said, “Though some students have been suspended and deboarded for unruly behaviours like beating their teachers, house wardens and stealing of personal items, not much has been done to curb bullying in the school.
“They are a reflection of the homes they come from. Some of them, because of their big stature, see themselves as age mates of some of their teachers and house wardens.
“The rule is clear, you are not to be rude to your teachers and others and even if you are provoked, calm down and report appropriately. Also, the students too have their rights which must not be violated.”
In a country where corporal punishment (beating) is still widely accepted, why would anyone be surprised that older students beating younger ones is considered “normal”? SMH