Bauchi govt pushes for sexual harassment prohibition in tertiary institutions
By Ahmed Kaigama
The Bauchi State Government has directed tertiary institutions across the state to establish Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committees (ISHPC) to ensure that reported cases of sexual harassment are properly addressed and handled with transparency.
This is contained in a statement signed by Awwal Waziri information officer of the Ministry of Higher Education and Regional Integration made available to newsmen on Friday in Bauchi
The directive was disclosed during visits by a ministerial committee set up by the state government to engage stakeholders and strengthen mechanisms for preventing sexual harassment in higher institutions.
Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Isa Tahir, who is also the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry said the establishment of ISHPCs in every higher institution would provide a structured platform for receiving, investigating and addressing complaints of sexual harassment.
Tahir made the remarks during the committee’s visit to Adamu Tafawa Balewa College of Education Kangere, where members met with the management and representatives of students as part of a statewide consultation.
He explained that the committee’s engagements focus on sensitising institutions on gender policies, encouraging the implementation of gender initiatives.
“Introduced by Gender Mobile Initiatives, and strengthening institutional mechanisms for addressing sexual harassment, he said.
According to him, the initiative was approved by Gov. Bala Mohammed as part of efforts to create safer learning environments in tertiary institutions across the state.
Responding, the Provost of the college, Dr. Dauda Sanda, said the institution already operates a comprehensive code of conduct that addresses gender-based violence and sexual harassment.
He assured the committee that the college would further strengthen its internal systems in line with the committee’s recommendations.
The committee also visited Aliko Dangote College of Nursing Sciences Bauchi where the Provost, Dr. Rakiya Saleh, welcomed the initiative and described sexual harassment as a serious issue that requires collective efforts.
Saleh assured the committee that the college would soon establish an Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee to complement its existing disciplinary structure.
The statement explained that during the visits, students’ representatives also participated in discussions, raising questions and offering suggestions on improving measures to prevent and address sexual harassment in tertiary institutions.
