From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Worried by the disturbing trends of sexual harassment in many Nigerian tertiary institutions, Commissioners for Education across the country and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) will meet in Abuja to brainstorm and strategise on best solutions to tackle the menace.
The parley, expected to focus on solving the increasing spate of sexual harassment in tertiary institutions, is convened by the ICPC, in collaboration with an agency, Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI).
Giving assurances on the readiness of stakeholders for the meeting in Abuja, the agency’s Executive Director, Ms Omowumi Ogunrotimi, explained that the engagement would focus more on preventive frameworks, than punitive measures.
While throwing more lights on the arrangements for the parley, she said: “Development partners, education regulators, student groups, and civil society organisations, will engage and commit to the state-level adoption and implementation of sexual harassment prevention frameworks.”
The engagement, scheduled to hold on July 9, according to her, would address the grave concern that undermines the safety, dignity, and academic integrity of both victims and institutions.
“It is imperative that we create a learning environment, where all students and educators can pursue their goals free from fear and intimidation. To achieve this, it is essential to implement comprehensive policies and effective prevention strategies.
“To this end, a stakeholders’ engagement will be convoked on July 9 in Abuja, to address the pervasive issue of sexual harassment on campuses, with a comprehensive focus on prevention frameworks,” she said.