Jigawa State has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting female students from sexual harassment in tertiary institutions, in line with the Model Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy developed by the Gender Mobile Initiative. The policy aims to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for female students across Nigeria.
Professor Isa Yusuf Chamo, the state’s Commissioner for Higher Education, Science, and Technology, made the pledge during a one-day meeting with education officials and heads of tertiary institutions in the state. He emphasized that the Jigawa State government would not tolerate any form of sexual harassment within its educational institutions.
While acknowledging that sexual harassment cases are relatively low in Jigawa, Professor Chamo assured that the state remains dedicated to proactive prevention. “We will intensify efforts to implement and adopt the Model Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy in all tertiary institutions,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of a safe environment for both students and teachers to thrive academically.
The Commissioner commended the facilitators for their presentation on the policy and expressed appreciation for the Federal Ministry of Education’s nationwide initiative to address sexual harassment in tertiary institutions. He assured that offenders would face strict consequences, including being barred from entering the campus if there was a clear threat to the victim.
Furthermore, Professor Chamo stressed the importance of a collective approach to enforcing the policy, revealing plans to establish a monitoring committee to ensure full implementation. He highlighted the need to sensitize students, teachers, and staff to the implications of sexual harassment and its prevention.
In closing, the Commissioner noted that the policy’s implementation would enhance students’ academic performance and confidence, allowing them to focus on their studies in a safe environment. He also promised to organize workshops and seminars to raise awareness and educate all stakeholders about the policy’s goals.
Alhaji Lawan Muhammad Haruna, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, also expressed gratitude to the Gender Mobile Initiative for developing the policy, emphasizing its significance in shaping a safer academic atmosphere for female students in Jigawa.
