Group Sensitises Students On Human Rights, GBV Prevention In Maiduguri
By Ali Mohammed Zanna, Maiduguri
The Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) has organised an awareness outreach for students of Government Girls Secondary School, Maiduguri, to promote human rights, prevent gender-based violence and improve health awareness.
The outreach, held on Friday, November 13, 2026, was part of the organisation’s Bi-Annual ATM Gender-Based Violence and Gender and Human Rights (GBV/GHR) programme, conducted in collaboration with participants from three Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) civil society organisations.
The programme aimed at educating students on their fundamental human rights, the different forms of gender-based violence, available reporting channels and access to support services for victims of abuse.
Speaking during the event, a representative of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Saidu Adamu Chul, educated the students on human rights protection, fundamental freedoms and mechanisms for seeking redress when their rights are violated.
He explained the responsibilities of the Commission in protecting human rights and addressing complaints of abuse, urging the students to understand their rights and seek assistance whenever necessary.
Also speaking, Mr Mustapha Bukar Mustapha, representing the Borno State Ministry of Justice, highlighted legal procedures for reporting gender-based violence, the rights of survivors and available remedies through the justice system.
He encouraged the students to speak out against abuse and seek appropriate legal support whenever they or others experience violations.
In a separate presentation, the NEPWHAN State Coordinator, Baba Shettima, sensitised the students on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and malaria, highlighting their symptoms, prevention and the importance of accessing healthcare services.
He stressed the need for HIV testing, early knowledge of one’s status and the elimination of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.
On tuberculosis, he identified persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss as some of the warning signs, advising anyone experiencing such symptoms to visit a health facility for proper diagnosis and treatment.
He also urged the students to maintain good hygiene, sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, keep their surroundings clean and eliminate stagnant water to prevent malaria.
The programme featured an interactive question-and-answer session, which allowed students to seek clarification on human rights, gender-based violence, reporting procedures and disease prevention.
A quiz competition was also organised by the Programme Officer of APYIN Borno, Miss Ohiani Halimat Oyamine, to assess the students’ understanding of the issues discussed.
Students who provided correct answers received gifts presented by the NEPWHAN State Coordinator.
The outreach also provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between community-based organisations and government institutions in promoting human rights protection, access to justice and referral services for survivors of gender-based violence.
NEPWHAN expressed appreciation to the National Human Rights Commission, Borno State Ministry of Justice, the school management, participating civil society organisations and resource persons for their contributions to the success of the programme.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting human rights, preventing gender-based violence, improving health awareness and strengthening access to essential support services across Borno State.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to equip young people with the knowledge needed to protect themselves, recognise violations and access appropriate assistance.