BY Janefrances Chibundu
Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI), a civil society organisation, has called on President Bola Tinubu to sign the sexual harassment prohibition bill for tertiary institutions into law.
The call is coming after the suspension of the dean of faculty of law at the University of Calabar, over sexual harassment allegations.
During a press briefing on Monday, Omowumi Ogunrotimi, the executive director of GMI, said it is sad that institutions of higher learning have become “breeding grounds for abuse”.
“Today, we bring forth a call for urgency, accountability and transformative change in the face of pervasive sexual harassment and abuse of office on our campuses,” the statement reads.
“In the wake of a global reckoning against sexual harassment, our nation is at a critical juncture that demands our collective action on the emergence of Nigerian tertiary institutions as hotspots for power-driven sexual harassment.
“The very institutions meant to foster education and personal growth have become breeding grounds for abuse, particularly affecting the lives of female students.”
She noted that the recent protest by students of the University of Calabar should serve as a wake-up call for everyone.
“Alarming 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 deficits,” she said.
“The recent student protest and the brave outcry against the dean of the faculty of law, University of Calabar, whose history is marred by allegations of sexual harassment and rape, underscores the urgency for systemic change and serves as a wake-up call, compelling us to confront the gravity of the issue and demand immediate action to protect the rights and well-being of students across the nation.
“The absence of a dedicated legal framework leaves a critical gap that must be filled to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of our collective efforts against sexual harassment.
“The Sexual Harassment Prohibition in Tertiary Education Institutions Bill presents a promising solution.”
The group called on President Tinubu to assent to the bill without further delays.
“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.”
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