Ahmed Ahmed
The Bauchi State Government has set up a ministerial committee to tackle sexual harassment and strengthen measures aimed at protecting students and staff in tertiary institutions across the state.
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 committee, established with the approval of Gov Bala Muhammad, is tasked with engaging stakeholders, promoting awareness on gender policies.
“Ensuring effective mechanisms are put in place to address cases of sexual harassment in higher institutions.
Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Isa Tahir, who is also the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher Education and Regional Integration, disclosed this during the committee’s visitation to Adamu Tafawa Balewa College of Education Kangere as part of its statewide engagement with tertiary institutions.
Tahir explained that the committee was constituted to interact with management and students’ representatives, sensitize institutions on gender policy, and encourage the implementation of gender initiatives developed by Gender Mobile Initiatives.
He said the committee would also promote the establishment of an Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee (ISHPC) in every higher institution in the state to ensure that reported cases are properly addressed.
According to him, the initiative reflects the commitment of the Bauchi State Government to creating a safe academic environment and preventing all forms of harassment within educational institutions.
Tahir also commended the Commissioner for Higher Education and Regional Integration, Dr. Hadiza Abdulkadir Kango, for her efforts in facilitating the creation of the committee.
Responding, the Provost of the college, Dr. Dauda Sanda, said the institution already operates a strong code of conduct addressing gender-based violence and sexual harassment, adding that the college would further strengthen its measures in line with the committee’s guidelines.
The committee also visited Aliko Dangote College of Nursing Sciences Bauchi, where the Provost, Dr. Rakiya Saleh, expressed optimism that the initiative would help curb sexual harassment and improve accountability in tertiary institutions.
She assured the committee that the college would soon establish an Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee to complement its existing disciplinary structures.
During the visits, students’ representatives also contributed through questions, comments and goodwill messages aimed at improving safety and accountability within the institutions
