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Nigerian Government and Stakeholders Unite to Combat Sexual Harassment in Educational Institutions

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8 months ago

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In a landmark effort to tackle the pervasive issue of sexual harassment in Nigeria’s educational institutions, a coalition of stakeholders, including government officials, regulatory bodies, and civil society organizations, convened at the consultative Policy Dissemination and Implementation Conference held at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel on July 9, 2024. The conference, moderated by Barrister Omowumi Ogunrotimi, underscored the urgent need for robust measures to prevent, prohibit, and redress sexual harassment across all levels of education.

 

The conference saw extensive deliberations and resolutions aimed at instituting effective anti-sexual harassment policies, ensuring the safety and dignity of students, and fostering a conducive learning environment free from intimidation and abuse. Key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and various State Commissioners of Education, joined forces to endorse and commit to implementing comprehensive policy frameworks.

 

*Highlights of the Resolutions:*

 

1. *Legislative Commitment:* The House of Representatives, under the 10th Assembly, affirmed its dedication to passing the ‘Bill for an Act to Prevent, Prohibit and Redress Sexual Harassment of Students in Tertiary Educational Institutions and for Matters Connected therewith’. This legislative push aims to establish a robust legal framework against sexual harassment.

 

2. *Model Anti-Sexual Harassment Policies:* All stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and educational institutions, unanimously agreed to adopt and implement Model Anti-Sexual Harassment Policies. These policies are designed to sensitize communities, establish institutional frameworks for reporting and redress, and enforce strict penalties for offenders.

 

3. *Regional Adaptation and Implementation:* Acknowledging Nigeria’s diverse socio-cultural contexts, stakeholders from all geographical zones validated the policies with regional adaptations. This approach ensures that the policies resonate with local norms while maintaining the integrity of the national framework.

 

4. *Enforcement and Support Structures:* The ICPC committed to supporting educational institutions with training and technical assistance in implementing anti-sexual harassment policies. This support includes setting up grievance mechanisms, ensuring confidentiality, and protecting victims from retaliation.

 

5. *Commitment to Review and Improve:* Recognizing the evolving nature of the issue, stakeholders resolved to review the policies every 3 to 5 years. This periodic review aims to enhance effectiveness, incorporate best practices, and address emerging challenges in combating sexual harassment.

 

6. *Supportive Measures:* Stakeholders emphasized the importance of ongoing orientations for both new students and staff, wide-ranging reporting platforms including anonymous options, and clear timelines for investigating and adjudicating harassment cases.

 

*Quotes from Key Stakeholders:*

 

1. *Professor Mamman Tahir, Minister of Education:* “Our commitment to eradicating sexual harassment in educational institutions is unwavering. We will work tirelessly to ensure every student feels safe and respected.”

 

2. *Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, Chairman of ICPC:* “Prevention and enforcement go hand in hand. Our partnership with educational institutions will strengthen their capacity to uphold integrity and protect students.”

 

3. *Hon. Victor Obuzor, Chairman, House Committee on Civil Society Organizations:* “The legislative efforts and collaborative initiatives underscore our collective responsibility to safeguard students and uphold their rights.”

 

*List of Stakeholders:*

 

1. Professor Mamman Tahir – Minister of Education

 

2. Hon. Yusuf Tanko Sununu – Minister of State for Education

 

3. Minister for Women Affairs – Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye

4. Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN – Chairman of ICPC

 

5. Hon. Ibrahim Olarenwaju – Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives)

 

6. Hon. Victor Obuzor – Chairman, House Committee on Civil Society Organizations

 

7. Mr. Boniface Odey – NUC

 

8. Mr. Bello Abdul-Hakeem – Deputy Director, NBTE

 

9. Mrs. Theresa Madueke – Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA)

 

10. Prof. Amari Omaka – Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Ebonyi

 

11. Prof. Ndubueze Mbah – Commissioner for Education, Enugu

 

12. Hon. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofarmata – Commissioner for Higher Education, Kano

 

13. Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari – Commissioner for Higher Education, Delta

 

14. Dr. Gentle Emelah – Commissioner for Education, Bayelsa

 

15. Oluwole Olusanjo Majekodunmi – Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Ogun

 

16. Eluwole Sunday Adedipo – Commissioner for Education, Osun

 

17. Salihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu – Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Oyo

 

18. Hon. Lydia Haruna Tsammani – Commissioner for Higher Education and Regional Integration, Bauchi

 

19. Rev. Frederick L. Ikyaan, PhD – Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Benue

 

20. Michael Omolayo – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Ekiti

 

21. Waheed Kasali – Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Tertiary Education, Lagos

 

22. Prof. Mohammed Bello Kawuwa – Commissioner for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Yobe

 

23. Isa Yusuf Chamo – Commissioner for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Jigawa

 

24. Ubani Caroline Uloma – Commissioner for Education, Abia

 

25. Ahmed Yunusa Mohammed – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Gombe

 

26. Prof. Abdulhamid Ahmed – Commissioner for Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, Katsina

 

27. Dr. (Mrs.) Kachollom Pyam Gang – Commissioner for Higher Education, Plateau

 

28. Hon. Aminu Abdullahi – Commissioner for Higher Education, Sokoto

 

29. Michael Omolayo – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Ekiti (Duplicate)

 

30. Waheed Kasali – Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Tertiary Education, Lagos (Duplicate)

 

31. Prof. Mohammed Bello Kawuwa – Commissioner for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Yobe (Duplicate)

 

32. Isa Yusuf Chamo – Commissioner for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Jigawa (Duplicate)

 

33. Hon. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofarmata – Commissioner for Higher Education, Kano (Duplicate)

 

34. Ahmed Yunusa Mohammed – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Gombe (Duplicate)

 

35. Prof. Abdulhamid Ahmed – Commissioner for Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, Katsina (Duplicate)

 

36. Hon. Augustina Yahaya, PhD – Commissioner for Education, Taraba

 

37. Hon. Wadatau Madawaki – Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Zamfara

 

38. Dr. John D.W. Mamman – Commissioner for Education, Nasarawa

 

39. Razaq O. Kalilu – Vice Chancellor, LAUTECH

 

40. Oladipupo Adegboyega Johnson – Provost, Oyo State College of Education

 

41. Ademola S. Tayo – Vice Chancellor, Babcock University

 

42. Dr. Cecilia Olajumoke Adebayo – Provost, College of Health Science & Technology, Ijero Ekiti

 

43. Prof. Akinola Akinlabi – Rector, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora

 

44. Prof. Ayo Atsenua – Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos

 

45. Olaoye Oyejide Oluwatobi – Rector, Ibadan Polytechnic

 

46. Dr. Fijoh Kalu Ome – Deputy Rector, Abia State Polytechnic

 

47. Prof. Ezeokonkwo Romanus – Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria Nsukka

 

48. Dr. Michael Okey Okoronkwo – Provost, Federal College of Agriculture Ishiagu, Ebonyi State

 

49. Prof. Abdullahi Musa – Vice Chancellor, Kaduna State University

 

50. Dr. (Mrs.) U. I. Ibanga – Deputy Provost, Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, New Bussa, Niger State

 

51. Dr. Hauwa’u Muhammed Mainoma – Director, Centre for Gender Studies, Nasarawa State University

 

52. Suleiman Ahmed Badayi – Rector, Jigawa State Polytechnic

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Court orders seizure of N1.37bn Kaduna fund ‘hidden’ in Sterling Bank

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5 hours ago

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March 5, 2025

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A Federal High Court in Kaduna has ordered the interim forfeiture of N1.37 billion Kaduna State fund allegedly hidden in a Sterling Bank account with no proper documentation,.

 

The judge, H. Buhari, issued the forfeiture order on February 28, following an ex parte application by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which had previously filed the motion on February 14.

 

The fund was said to have been misappropriated from the Kaduna State Government’s coffers during the tenure of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

 

 

According to the ICPC, the fund, originally allocated for light rail project was diverted during El-Rufai’s administration. The controversial transfer was uncovered after the ICPC traced the funds to a private account.

 

According to the anti-graft agency, the diverted money was funneled through Indo Kaduna MRTS JV Nig. Ltd, a joint venture formed in 2016 between the Kaduna State Government and Indian investors.

 

ICPC’s lawyer, E.O. Akponimisingha, represented the agency during the hearing, which was conducted without the presence of any opposing parties.

 

 

In granting the forfeiture, the court ordered the ICPC to publish a public notice in two national newspapers, inviting anyone with a legitimate claim to the funds to present their case in court. Further proceedings have been scheduled for April 8, 2025.

 

The scandal dates back to December 2016 when, despite the Indo Kaduna MRTS JV Nig. Ltd not being formally incorporated until May 2017, Governor El-Rufai approved payments to the company. Between December 2016 and January 2017, a total of N11.1 billion was transferred to the company’s Sterling Bank account. The ICPC’s investigation revealed that N1.37 billion of this sum was illegally diverted into a private account.

 

In justifying the forfeiture, the ICPC emphasized that the redirection of the funds into public projects aligns with the broader public interest, particularly in enhancing governance and accountability. The commission further asserted that this action would not violate any constitutional rights and would instead serve the greater good by recovering the misappropriated funds.

 

 

The investigation was launched after a petition was filed by lawyer M. Yahaya from NUS’ AB Chambers in Abuja, detailing concerns of severe financial mismanagement during El-Rufai’s administration. Other officials from the former governor’s administration are also facing allegations of fraud and corruption, with some already facing charges before various tribunals and anti-corruption bodies.

 

While the former governor and his associates maintain their innocence, calling the ICPC’s actions “oppression” and an “abuse of power,” they argue that the seizure of funds tied to the light rail project could harm foreign investments in the state.

 

The case is ongoing, and further developments are expected following the adjournment to April 8.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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News and Report

Court Stops Senate Committee From Probing Natasha Akpoti.

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8 hours ago

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March 5, 2025

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The federal high court in Abuja has issued an order preventing the senate committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions from proceeding with disciplinary actions against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

 

Obiora Egwuatu, the presiding judge, granted the order on Tuesday following an ex parte application submitted by Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal representatives, the senator representing Kogi central.

 

 

Akpoti-Uduaghan was summoned to appear before the senate’s disciplinary committee after a confrontation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio on February 20.

 

 

The senator disrupted plenary proceedings by rejecting her designated seat, disregarding Akpabio’s directive, and persistently raising a point of order despite being overruled.

 

The senate later referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to the committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions for a disciplinary review.

 

On February 28, during an interview on Arise TV, the senator claimed that her ordeal in the senate started after she rejected “sexual advances from the senate president”.

 

NULL AND VOID’

 

The legal team representing Akpoti-Uduaghan includes Sanusi Musa, M. J. Numa, Y. M. Zakari, B. J. Tabai, Tijanni Jimol, and M. C. Bekee.

 

The defendants in the suit are clerk of the national assembly, the senate, senate president, and chairman of the senate committee on ethics.

 

According to court documents obtained by TheCable, Akpoti-Uduaghan requested the court to issue an order stopping the senate and the ethics committee from “proceeding with the purported investigation” against her.

 

She further asked the court to declare that any action taken during the pendency of the suit is “null, void and of no effect whatsoever”.

 

 

Additionally, Akpoti-Uduaghan sought permission for the defendants to be served with the originating summons and related documents through substituted means.

 

 

“AN ORDER OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT granting an Interim Injunction restraining the 2nd Defendant/Defendant’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct headed by the 4th Defendant from proceeding with the purported investigation against the Plaintiff/Applicant for alleged misconduct sequel to the events that occurred at the plenary of the 2nd Defendant on the 20th day of February, 2025, pursuant to the referral by the 2nd Defendant on 25th February, 2025 pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction,” part of the application reads.

 

In his ruling, the judge directed the defendants to show cause within 72 hours after being served with the order, explaining why an interlocutory injunction should not be granted against them.

 

Egwuatu also approved the request for substituted service on the defendants.

 

The case was adjourned to March 10 for the defendants to present their case on why the applicant’s reliefs should

not be granted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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News and Report

UN Urged To Establish Global Water Security Fund

Published

9 hours ago

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March 5, 2025

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The United Nations and global stakeholders have been urged to establish a global water security fund to accelerate climate-resilient water infrastructure.

 

Dr. Prince Ero Ibhafidon, President, Waterlight Save Initiative stated this at the organisational session of the UN 2026 Water Conference.

 

He also called on UN to mandate accountability for SDG 6, enforce clear progress benchmarks to hold nations responsible and expand access to water innovation, ensuring technological advancements reach vulnerable

communities.

 

“The solutions exist. The resources exist. What we need now is the courage to act.

 

“Years from now, will we be remembered as the generation that ended water scarcity-or the one that let millions suffer in silence? The time for pledges has passed. Now, we must deliver results.

 

“Waterlight Save Initiative stands ready. Let’s turn words into action. Let’s get to work,” he said

 

According to him, water insecurity is a silent catastrophe, saying that one in three people lack access to safe drinking water, and every two minutes, a child dies from a waterbome disease.

 

“Climate change is worsening this crisis, drying up rivers and contaminating vital water sources.

 

“We are halfway through the UN Water Action Decade, yet progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6-Clean Water and Sanitation for All-remains too slow. This is not just a crisis, it is a failure of leadership.”

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