The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) said it’s has introduced a new Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy to combat sexual abuse in Nigeria’s educational institutions.
The Acting Director of Public Enlightenment and Education / Spokesperson for the Commission,
Demola Bakare, shared this information in a press release provided to Africa Health Report (AHR) on Tuesday.
According to the statement, The policy, developed in collaboration with the Gender Mobile Initiative, was announced by ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, during a recent National Stakeholders Engagement on Sexual Harassment Prevention in Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja.
Dr. Aliyu highlighted the significance of the policy, noting its approval for implementation by the Federal Ministry of Education. “This policy represents a significant step toward combating sexual harassment in the educational sector,” he said.
He also emphasized the need for collective efforts from all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the policy across various educational institutions.
The initiative was supported by the Ford Foundation and organized in partnership with the Gender Mobile Initiative. Aliyu underscored the pervasiveness of sexual harassment, stating, “It is sadly interesting to note that sexual harassment, though more notorious in tertiary institutions, is quite rampant in basic and secondary institutions too.”
The Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, stressed the importance of creating a safe learning environment for students. “Developing policies that create a conducive learning environment and protect students from sexual abuse and harassment is crucial,” he said, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders.
Additionally, the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, expressed her support for the initiative, stating, “Nigerians not only want perpetrators to be apprehended but also want them to be prosecuted to restore faith in the government and the justice system.”
Chairman of the House Committee on Civil Society, Honourable Victor Obuzor, called for a united front from all stakeholders to tackle sexual harassment across all levels of education in Nigeria.
