By Aliyu Muraki
A non-governmental organization, Alliances for Africa (AfA), has called for the inclusion of Gender Studies as a compulsory general course in all nigerian universities and higher institutions of learning as a strategic effort to eliminate sexual harassment on campuses.
The call was made by Ms. Blessing Duru, Director of Programs at Alliances for Africa (AfA) during an advocacy visit to the Management of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) in Nasarawa State.
According to Ms. Duru, the introduction of Gender Studies into the curriculum of Nasarawa State University would go a long way in addressing the issue of sexual harassment by promoting awareness, accountability, and a culture of respect within the academic community.
She further noted that for the past sixteen months, (AfA) has collaborated with stakeholders and other development partners to create safer learning environments, with twelve universities selected as pilot institutions for the initiative.
“Over the last sixteen months, we have defined our strategic direction and are now exploring sustainable ways forward. Recognizing the donor-dependent nature of this work, we are also thinking innovatively as professionals in the field..she added;.
Ms. Duru emphasized the need to strengthen institutional partnerships and build structures within universities that ensure safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments for both male and female students.
The Director of Programs, Alliances for Africa, (AfA) explained that, the primary objective of the advocacy visit was to finalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with (NSUK) through which Alliances for Africa (AfA) would provide technical assistance to the university to aid the development of a gender studies curriculum, as well as a system of sustainability around the same.
She noted that the center would be adequately equipped in terms of staff training, and capacity-building and It would also be empowered to seek its own funding to ensure long-term sustainability as well commending the (NSUK’s) management for their proactive commitment, Ms. Duru said:
“We’ve made remarkable progress and gained valuable insights, but challenges remain. It is clear we cannot eliminate sexual harassment unless institutional structures in our universities are fully strengthened.”
In her response, the Vice Chancellor of (NSUK), Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to eliminating all forms of sexual harassment and gender-based violence, nothing that the (NSUK) already has a functional Center for Gender Studies, which is working to promote gender equity and safeguard the well-being of students—especially women—throughout their academic and professional journeys.
“At (NSUK,) we are committed to fostering an inclusive and safe academic environment. Our Gender Centre is playing a key role in providing support and advocacy for our female students and staff,” The VC added
Professor Liman also applauded Alliances for Africa (AfA) for its significant contributions, particularly through the provision of advocacy and public sensitization efforts across twelve selected universities and pledged that (NSUK) would work closely with (AfA) to achieve shared goals.
Also speaking, the Director of the Center for Gender Studies at (NSUK,) Professor Hauwa’u Mohammed Mai-noma, stressed that formalizing an (MoU)with (AfA) to introduce a general course on sexual harassment prevention would be a game changer, not only for (NSUK) but for the wider academic community.
Professor Mai-noma also disclosed that (AfA) has proposed the development of a gender studies curriculum and an ICT-enabled reporting platform that would allow students to confidentially report incidents of sexual harassment—thus improving data collections and institutional response.
“We already have sound gender policies in place, What remains is to integrate gender studies as a general course and create a digital dashboard where students can safely report issues of sexual harassment, gender based violence and abuse,” she said.
Ms. Emmanuella Osuji, (Esq.) Legal Team Lead and Head of Partner Engagement at Alliances for Africa, (AfA) noted that, the (MoU) will formally outline areas of support, including toll-free hotlines and online reporting systems, to make it easier for victims to report any incidents of sexual harassment to authority for necessary action.
“The culture of silence is being perpetuated by the absence or inefficiency of reporting structures. With this (MoU) we’re seeking a strong commitment from (NSUK) to sustain joint advocacy and ensure that the systems we co-create are impactful and enduring,” she said.
Ms. Osuji (Esq.) expressed confidence in (NSUK’s) commitment and also said, the collaboration marks an important step toward addressing gender-based violence in nigerian universities.
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