Advocates push for presidential assent to anti-sexual harassment bill
By Aisha Ahmad
A consortium of civil society organizations, known as the Anti-Sexual Harassment Advocacy Cluster, convened a strategic engagement meeting with heads of tertiary institutions to address the prevalent issue of sexual harassment in tertiary educational institutions across Nigeria
This is contained in a commique on Friday signed by the group at the end of the meeting.
According to the communique, the meeting, was held at the Candellux Imperial Hotel & Suites in Abuja on Thursday.
“The meeting is aimed to address the challenges and seek collaboration in advocating for the Presidential assent to the Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational Institutions (Prohibition) Bill, 2023.
“Despite efforts made by institutions across the country, the rate of sexual harassment in tertiary institutions in Nigeria is still worrisomely high.
“The absence of a uniform law directly addressing sexual harassment, professional chauvinism, and fear of persecution after reporting were identified as contributing factors to the challenge,” the communique read in part.
In response, the heads of tertiary institutions and stakeholders present committed to proactive measures, including setting up Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committees and supporting the establishment of Campaign Against Sexual Harassment (CASH) clubs within their institutions.
They appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his assent to the bill, emphasizing its importance in promoting confidence and overall well-being in tertiary educational institutions nationwide.
Among the attendees were representatives from various institutions, including Prof. Ayoka Mopelola Olusakin from the University of Lagos, Akoka, Hassana Yahaya Bello from Gombe State University, Dr. Isaac O. Miller from Federal College of Education (Tech), Akoka
Bashir Mamman Mohammed from Federal Cooperative College, Kaduna and Engr. Hatim Miftah Garba from Federal College of Agric. Prod Tech, Kano.
Others include; Shehu Umar Dumbulun from Federal polytechnic Kabo, Kano State, Dr. Tunde Gabriel A. from Federal College of Education (Tech) Gombe
Auwal Umar from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Ayoka Mopelola Olusakin from University of Lagos, Akoka
Eme Etop Imah from Akwa Ibom State University, Eduma E. Essien Representing Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic Ikot Osuro,
Dick, Angela Ngozi representing Centre for Gender Studies, Veritas University, and Dr. (Mrs) Mercy D. Ebong from the Federal Polytechnic Ukana, Akwa Ibom State.
