Namtira Bwala, a student of Lead British International School, Abuja, who went viral on the internet when a video surfaced of her being bullied by her school mates.
Now, just when it seems that the matter had died down, she filed a civil suit against the school management.
In the lawsuit, Bwala said that the school fell short of its obligation to provide a safe and favourable learning environment for her.
The suit was filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, through her lawyer, Marvin Omorogbe, the Founding Partner for Deji Adeyanju and Partners.
Bwala is seeking, among others, a public apology that would be published in two national dailies and N500 million in general damages.
What They’re Saying:
Namtira Bwala’s lawyer, Marvin Omorogbe had claimed that her client was also seeking, among others,
“A declaration that by the claimant’s studentship in the defendant’s school, Lead British International School, Gwarimpa, Abuja, the defendant owes the claimant a duty of care to protect her from any physical or emotional harm as well as any breach of her privacy while under the defendant’s custody and supervision.
“A declaration that the defendant’s failure to prevent the assault, torment, emotional distress, pain, and trauma suffered by the claimant while under the custody and supervision of the defendant amounts to negligent conduct on the part of the defendant.
And finally,
An order directing the defendant to pay the claimant the sum of N500,000,000.00 (five hundred million Naira) as general damages for the defendant’s breach of the duty of care it owes to the claimant, and its negligent conduct in failing to prevent the assault, torment, emotional distress, pain, trauma and breach of privacy suffered by the claimant, while under the defendant’s custody and supervision.
Why It Matters:
- This case brings attention to the pervasive problem of bullying in Nigerian schools, particularly now in the digital age where such incidents can quickly gain widespread attention.
- It also highlights the obligation of schools to provide a safe and supportive environment for their students to learn and grow.
- Additionally, Namtira Bwala’s decision to take legal action against Lead British International School shows her determination to seek justice and hold the school accountable for failing to protect her. By demanding for a public apology and other significant damages, the lawsuit aims to ensure that schools are held accountable for any negligence that results in harm to students.
Bottom Line:
The case sets a yardstick for schools to prioritize the well-being of their students and to routinely take proactive measures to prevent bullying and protect students from harm.
