FIDA Demands Prompt Justice for Sylvester and Insists on A Complete Thorough and Objective Investigation into All Aspects of The Case

A most unfortunate death of a young twelve-year-old boy sent to school (Dowen College, Lagos) to be educated; where he should have been cared for and protected yet the system failed him and he died in suspicious circumstances.

It was with a rude shock that FIDA Nigeria viewed the video that has gone viral of Sylvester Oromoni Jr. who was purportedly bullied and tortured while in school eventually leading to his untimely death.

FIDA Nigeria has noticed that the trend of violence by and to children and youth in institutions of learning is becoming rampant and must be checked and stopped forthwith.

Reference is here made to the recent incident of a) 11-year-old Don Davies Archibong in Deeper Life High School, Idoro, Uyo Akwa Ibom State and b) 14-year-old, Keren-Happuch Aondodoo Akpagher, a Senior Secondary School (SSS1) student of Premiere Academy Lugbe, Abuja raped in her dormitory and so forth, who have suffered similar violence resulting in grievous injury and death

These terrible tales emanating from secondary schools across the nation are an indication of a failing system in dire need of overhauling. The grave situation must be addressed with utmost urgency

Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) clearly states that children have the right to be protected from physical and mental violence, neglect, sexual abuse and exploitation, while they are in the care of parents or any other person. Article 3 para. 2 gives the child the right to such protection and care as is necessary for his or her well-being

A child has the right to be protected from physical and mental violence, neglect, sexual abuse and exploitation, while they are in the care of parents or any other person. Article 3 para. 2 gives the child the right to such protection and care as is necessary for his or her well-being Article 19 UNCRC. They are vulnerable and must be protected

Child’s Rights Act (CRA) 2003 also provide and protect the rights of a Nigerian child

As all well-meaning Nigerians mourn this terrible death of Sylvester, FIDA Nigeria joins in condoling with the family over this great and unfortunate loss of a young child with great promise for a bright future

FIDA joins in shouting out against this evil trend of corporal punishment, bullying and the maltreatment of children in institutions of learning; This evil trend must stop NOW!

As we carry out 16 days of activism on ending violence in our communities NOW, it is clear from our schools’ outreaches in the different states that the educational system needs quick intervention as vulnerable children (even in schools) suffer great violence from persons of authority over them and indeed fellow schoolmates. The Educational sector is failing and there is an urgent need to address it immediately.

FIDA categorically states that the total well-being of our children matters and education Is not just about getting excellent grades and the economic benefits that accrue to institutions, but about balancing academic performance against good character formation. Attention must also be paid to addressing forthwith the issue of cultism and fraternities in our schools, the system must be sanitized

FIDA demands:
– Prompt justice for Sylvester and insists on a complete thorough and objective investigation into all aspects of the case, (and indeed other recently reported cases), to determine the culpability of management, the truants involved and so forth, such that no one is shielded from investigation or punishment
– that the Ministry of Education must take responsibility and act quickly in promptly addressing key issues affecting schools generally.
– the Federal and State Government should overhaul the educational facilities/ system with a view to instilling high morals and other standards, which will deter evil actors of crimes such as this.
– parents working with schools should be proactive to teach and insist on good values, integrity and good character but above all, respect and dignity for persons (even as children) rather than shielding them

– proper and effective medical support in schools including psychological assessment for the well-being of a child in school. A child should not be so frightened that he/she cannot lodge a report to school authorities or parents
– comprehensive school policies must be immediately put in place to tackle such key issues, with protective brackets at different levels for the vulnerable children, rather than a situation of ignoring and covering up reports
– Set high standards of operations in institutions with requisite checks and balances which are imperative

May God grant the soul of Sylvester and indeed all the vulnerable children who have died in such similar circumstances perfect rest (Amen).

FIDA Nigeria strongly condemns the dastardly act against Sylvester; and
Encourages children to Speak Out
We demand justice for Sylvester Oromoni Jr.

Signed for FIDA Nigeria:

Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice/National President
FIDA Nigeria

Christiana Oyanvutu Adejumo
National Publicity Secretary
FIDA Nigeria