By Nandak Kangpe
Alliances for Africa (AFA), a non-governmental organization, hosted a two-day workshop titled ‘Consultation with Student Union Government (SUG) and Campus Journalists: Review of Student Union Handbook to Address Sexual Harassment in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions.’
Held at the Bolten White Group in Abuja, the event gathered participants from twelve Nigerian public universities, including representatives from student union governments and campus journalists.
In her opening remarks, AFA’s Executive Director, Iheoma Obibi, emphasized the organization’s core values, particularly advocating for an end to sexual harassment on campuses.
Blessing Duru, AFA’s Director of Programs, highlighted the current normalization of sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
She underscored the workshop’s goal to establish a safe campus environment free from such misconduct.
The workshop included group work sessions where participants shared insights and best practices for addressing sexual harassment.
It also involved a review of student handbooks to incorporate inclusive and proactive policies addressing student concerns on campus.
This review aims to clarify policies on issues like consent principles, safe reporting mechanisms, and inclusive systems.
The workshop aimed to tackle challenges such as inadequate support systems, poor data collection, and enforcement issues on campuses.
The event culminated in a call to action for participants to develop effective strategies and action plans in their respective universities to combat sexual harassment.
Highlights of the event included a group photograph featuring facilitators and all thirty-six participants from universities such as the University of Jos, University of Ibadan, Bayero University Kano, Delta State University, and the host institution, University of Abuja.
