NGO Seeks Assent to Tertiary Institutions Sexual Harassment Bill 

 

 A Non-Governmental Organization, Gender Mobile Initiative, GMI, has called on the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to expressly assent to the Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational Institutions Bill on his table.

 

The lead Director, GMI, Omowumi Ogunrotimi made the call at a media briefing held in Abuja, Nigeria.

 

She said the bill, if assented to, will help to prevent, prohibit and most importantly create opportunities for victims of sexual harassment in tertiary institutions in Nigeria to seek redress in the law court for perpetrators of the act to be adequately dealt with.

 

“As we commemorate the 16 days of activism, our hope is anchored in the belief that immediate action from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, specifically the prompt signing of the Sexual Harassment Prohibition in Tertiary Education Institutions Bill, will mark a significant milestone in the fight against sexual harassment.

 

“The delay in presidential assent has left a void in our collective efforts, and we trust that the President’s commitment to the well-being of Nigerian students will translate into swift and resolute action. 

 

“We look forward to witnessing a tangible demonstration of the President’s dedication to creating safe and nurturing learning environments for all especially women,” she said.

She explained that addressing sexual harassment in tertiary institutions is not just a moral imperative but a national emergency that demands swift and decisive action.

 

“The President’s action, or lack thereof, will send a powerful message about the nation’s values and its dedication to fostering an environment where every student particularly female students can thrive,” said Ogunrotimi

 

She said the group is aware of efforts being made by the Federal Ministry of Education in Nigeria with validation for action through the ICPC, whistle-blowing platforms, advocacy and campaigns among others but only comprehensive legislation will give full direction on how the alarming Sexual harassment crisis in tertiary institutions in Nigeria can be stopped.

 

“The Sexual Harassment Prohibition in Tertiary Education Institutions Bill presents a promising solution. This comprehensive legislation is crafted to address the nuances of sexual harassment, providing a clear definition of offenses, establishing stringent penalties for perpetrators, and outlining mechanisms for the prevention and redress of sexual harassment. 

 

“Regrettably, despite the urgency of the matter, the Bill has lingered on the desk of the Nigerian President awaiting the seal of approval. This delay is disheartening and raises concerns about the commitment to eradicating sexual harassment within our educational institutions. 

 

“The need for statutory backing is not just a formality, it is a fundamental requirement to ensure that the provisions of the Bill are legally enforceable and carry the necessary gravitas to effect real change,” she said.

 

She commended the Nigerian President for signing into law the Student Loan Bill, which is a source of empowerment for educational attainment but stressed that the initiative will be diminished if the educational journey is marred by the trauma of sexual harassment.

She said statistics reveal that 70℅ of female graduates from Nigerian tertiary institutions have been subjected to sexual harassment – an epidemic proportion indicative of systemic and structural deficit but the diverse coalition of stakeholders gathered for the Press conference and other actions beyond the confines of the event reaffirms unwavering commitment to ending sexual harassment in Nigeria.

 

She added that the bill will activate a winning coalition against sexual harassment in Nigeria.

 

In a remark, the Director, of the Center for Gender Security, University of Abuja, Nigeria, Dr. Gloria Ibukunle admitted that the development is worrisome and, therefore supports swift presidential assent to the bill.

 

She likened sexual harassment to cancer, a nearly incurable disease, if it spreads, as such the few predators should not be allowed to spoil the name of the entire Nigeria University system

She equally urged the University system to put in place zero-tolerance strategies on campuses with mechanisms to protect students who are harassed, so that they can quickly report to the authority in the event of such.

 

“The Vice Chancellor of our University, the University of Abuja has zero tolerance to sexual harassment, as you are aware lecturers who were found wanting in this regard have been sent packing from the University. Parents need to be given assurances that their wards are safe when they come to the University,” she said.

The Nigeria Police at the event expressed concern about the ugly developments surrounding sexual harassment, stating that in recent time’s records in the Federal Capital Territory alone, indicated that over 2,242 cases are being handled by a special unit created for such issues.

 

In a reaction, President of the National Female Students Association of Nigeria, NFSAN, Enebeli Choice Uchenna said the bill when signed into law “will have 80-90℅ success as it will put fears into the hearts of the perpetrators of the unwholesome acts in the Nigerian University system.”

A documentary was also screened on sexual harassment in Nigerian universities as well as an exhibition.

 

In recent months, the Minister of Education in Nigeria, Professor Mamman vowed to deal decisively with any lecturer found wanting in cases of Sexual harassment on campuses as a report involving a Professor in the University of Calabar involved in sexual harassment was being submitted to him in his office.

 

Dominica Nwabufo