Kogi State Government Adopts Policy to Tackle Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions

Advertisements The Kogi State government has adopted a new policy aimed at curbing sexual harassment in the state’s tertiary institutions. […]

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Kogi State Government Adopts Policy to Tackle Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions

The Kogi State government has adopted a new policy aimed at curbing sexual harassment in the state’s tertiary institutions. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Lokoja on Tuesday, focusing on the adoption of the Model Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy.

Jones expressed deep concern over the rising cases of sexual harassment in Nigerian institutions, emphasizing that the current administration is committed to combating the menace. He explained that the meeting’s objective was to facilitate the adoption of the state-level anti-sexual harassment policy and integrate the Campus Safety Initiative Framework (CSIF) into schools.

“Sexual harassment has remained with us for a long time because victims are usually scared to speak up due to stigmatization,” Jones noted, stressing the need for Kogi State to follow in the footsteps of the Federal Ministry of Education, which has implemented similar policies at the national level.

Jones further stated that Kogi has been proactive in implementing federal policies and will be among the first states to domesticate the policy against sexual harassment. He cited the state’s quick adoption of previous federal policies, such as the elongation of the service year for teachers and the establishment of the Federal Government’s Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC).

The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI). Jones emphasized that the focus on tertiary institutions is crucial because sexual harassment is more prevalent in higher education settings.

“Sexual harassment is a major criminal act, and the Kogi government will not condone it,” he stated, adding that the state government would ensure a conducive learning environment for all students by creating a robust policy framework.

Dr. Ernest Ogezi, representing the Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI), delivered a paper on “Institutionalizing Campus Safety Initiative Framework at all Tertiary Institutions in Kogi State.” Ogezi highlighted that a recent survey showed 69.8% of students in tertiary institutions had experienced sexual harassment, but fewer than 10% reported the incidents.

Ogezi recommended several measures to address the issue, including the implementation of sexual harassment policies, the creation of anti-harassment committees, collaboration with stakeholders, and the provision of medical and psychosocial support services for victims.

The meeting included participants from various tertiary institutions, students, and officials from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology. The new policy is expected to foster a safer and more positive environment across educational institutions in Kogi State.

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