Nigerian Schools Tackle Cyberbullying With EU-Backed Video Competition

Advocates Sans Frontières (ASF) France, in collaboration with the European Union’s e-Rights platform, has urged Nigeria’s federal government to prioritise the development of a safe and responsible cyberspace in the country’s secondary schools.

This call came after an inter-school video competition in Abuja aimed at raising student awareness about cyberbullying.

The competition, part of ASF’s e-Rights project to strengthen digital rights in Nigeria, featured five schools from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) competing for the top prize. Government Secondary School (GSS), Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, was victorious.

Mrs. Glory Ohagwe, one of the competition judges, emphasised the importance of online safety education as the world becomes more reliant on digital technologies.

“The effects of cyberbullying, as demonstrated in the student entries, are devastating,” she said, citing depression, low self-esteem, and even death as possible outcomes.

Ohagwe praised the EU, ASF, and their partners for their efforts, emphasising the importance of widespread dissemination of the winning school’s message in combating cyberbullying effectively.

She emphasised the importance of continued advocacy, noting that, while the government is making progress in enacting and enforcing cybercrime laws, much work remains to be done.

Mr. Chinedu Christopher, ASF’s Communication Officer, echoed these sentiments, stating that the competition is part of a larger strategy to encourage responsible online behaviour.

“We have been working with civil society organisations, stakeholders, and government agencies to protect digital rights,” he said, adding that the project’s goal is to provide young Nigerians with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the digital world respectfully and safely.

The Abuja competition follows similar events in Lagos, Imo, and Kano states, with over 25 FCT schools submitting applications.

Christopher urged the government to broaden such initiatives nationwide, ensuring that no child falls behind in the critical effort to combat cyberbullying and promote responsible online citizenship.

The competition emphasises the growing need for proactive measures to address the challenges and risks associated with increased internet use among Nigerian youth.