The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, has called on university authorities across Nigeria to establish Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) on their campuses in a bid to better address cases of sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
Speaking at the National Summit on Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions, organised by Alliances for Africa in partnership with the Committee on Gender Directors in Nigeria (CGDN), in Abuja yesterday, the minister stressed the importance of swift intervention and survivor-centered support, reports Daily Independent.
“Currently, there are only 47 Sexual Assault Referral Centres across 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which is insufficient,” Suleiman-Ibrahim said. “I urge university leadership to prioritize the establishment of SARCs, ensuring timely intervention and adequate support for survivors in their communities.”
Suleiman-Ibrahim also reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister revealed plans to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Education, universities, and other relevant stakeholders to launch nationwide campaigns against sexual harassment.
These campaigns aim to challenge harmful stereotypes, hold perpetrators accountable, and create accessible reporting channels for survivors.
“To survivors, you are not alone,” the minister assured. “The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs stands with you, advocating for your rights and ensuring that justice and support are within reach. Let us break the culture of silence and hold perpetrators accountable.”
The minister acknowledged the progress made through legislative measures, such as the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in 35 states and the Child Rights Act nationwide.
She also highlighted the National Gender-Based Violence Dashboard, launched under the Spotlight Initiative, as an effective tool for tracking and reporting violence incidents.
In addition, she commended the passage of the Sexual Harassment Prohibition Bill by the 9th Senate, which imposes harsh penalties for offenders and requires educational institutions to implement preventive measures. The Revised National Gender Policy (2021–2026) also advocates for the establishment of Gender Studies as an academic discipline, with several universities setting up Gender Centres that drive transformative change on campuses.
As the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence begins, Suleiman-Ibrahim emphasised the collective responsibility to ensure safe campuses. “It is urgent that we eliminate violence against women and girls,” she said, urging universities to prioritize the safety and well-being of students while promoting a culture of accountability and respect.
Earlier in the summit, Oheoma Obibi, Executive Director of Alliances for Africa, underscored the need for immediate action to address the lack of safeguarding structures in Nigerian universities.
“This summit is a vital step toward tackling the severe challenges facing our educational institutions,” Obibi said, highlighting that many universities, instead of being safe spaces for learning, have unfortunately become sites of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.
Obibi pointed to research and personal testimonies that reveal a systemic problem within the educational sector that compromises student safety and tarnishes the credibility of Nigeria’s universities.
The summit also revealed preliminary findings from the National Campus Climate Baseline Survey on Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions. Conducted across 12 universities from various geopolitical zones, the survey sheds light on students’ perceptions of safety and the widespread occurrence of sexual harassment.
Prof. Ufuoma Awhefeada, Coordinator of the Committee of Gender Directors in Nigerian Universities (CGDNU), represented at the summit by Caren, called for urgent and comprehensive action to tackle sexual harassment in Nigerian universities.
“Sexual harassment erodes academic excellence, creates a hostile environment for learning, and perpetuates gender-based violence,” she said. “This summit is a crucial step toward strengthening prevention, response, and support mechanisms.”
The event, which coincided with the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, aimed to raise awareness about sexual harassment in higher institutions and promote best practices.
It also sought to foster collaboration among various stakeholders and empower survivors. Prof. Awhefeada outlined the summit’s objectives to inform policy reforms and encourage a culture of respect and justice in universities across Nigeria.
