Tertiary Education Stakeholders Unite to Tackle Sexual Harassment in Higher Institutions

To combat sexual harassment and other social vices within higher institutions, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, has called on heads of tertiary institutions across the state to adopt proactive measures to safeguard students’ rights and well-being.

Speaking during a one-day Stakeholders Engagement Meeting held at the Ministry’s Board Room, Prof. Eme Uche described sexual harassment as a deeply rooted societal and systemic issue affecting people of all ages.

She emphasized the need for institutional reforms and collaborative action to address the rising cases of sexual misconduct on campuses.

“The alarming rate of sexual harassment in our tertiary institutions calls for urgent and united intervention by government bodies, school authorities, and civil society organizations,” she stated. Prof. Uche also urged parents to instil moral discipline in their children and monitor their social interactions to prevent vulnerability to such abuse.

As part of the event, Mr. Emmanuel Olatunde, Learning, Measurement and Evaluation Officer of Gender Mobile Initiative, delivered a lecture titled “Model and Sexual Harassment Policy”.

He explained that the stakeholders’ engagement was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Tertiary Education to develop a comprehensive campus safety framework.

This framework includes policy reforms, preventive education, standard intervention strategies, and the integration of technology to tackle sexual harassment.

Reacting to the initiative, Dr Ifenyinwa Obi of British University, Ukwa East Local Government Area, and Rev. Father Jerome Onwughalu lauded the engagement as a timely and necessary step. They noted that increased awareness and sensitization will foster order and sanity in the academic environment.

The event drew participation from key education stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Mrs. Chinyere Nwoko, student union representatives, and heads of various tertiary institutions across the state.