By George Ozalla
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has re-emphasized the urgent need for the full implementation of the Model Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The Commission stressed that the policy must go beyond paper and be translated into full implementation to effectively address the menace of sexual harassment in educational institutions.
This renewed charge was the central message at a one-day stakeholders’ engagement co-hosted by the ICPC with Gender Mobile Initiative and the FCT Education Secretariat, which took place at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja. The event aimed to drive states’ level adoption of the Model Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy and featured discussions on the importance of joint efforts between the public and civil society sectors in combating sexual harassment.
ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, DSSRS, welcomed participants and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to fighting corruption in all forms, including abuse of office through sexual harassment in educational institutions. He spotlighted ICPC’s longstanding collaboration with Gender Mobile Initiative and Ford Foundation, which led to the development of a Model Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy aligned with the Commission’s mandate.
Dr. Aliyu emphasized that sexual harassment is not only a form of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence but also a form of abuse of office and a crime. He noted that the fight against corruption, especially within educational institutions, cannot be waged by the ICPC alone, stressing the importance of joint efforts between the public and civil society sectors.
The FCT Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, commended the ICPC and its partners for their efforts in developing the model policy. He urged educational institutions to lead the charge against sexual harassment and implement zero tolerance against the menace.
The event featured a presentation of the Campus Safety Initiative Framework by the Executive Lead, Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI), Barr. Omowumi Ogunrotimi, and a keynote address by the Spokesperson, Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi. The event ended with the presentation of a communique and closing remarks.
The ICPC and its partners remain committed to ensuring that Nigerian tertiary institutions are safe and free from sexual harassment. The Commission’s efforts aim to promote a culture of zero tolerance for sexual harassment and provide a safe and supportive environment for students to learn and grow.
