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The Education Minister, Professor Mamman Tahir, has issued a strong warning to members of the academia and university community regarding sexual harassment on campuses. He firmly stated that the Federal Ministry of Education will take decisive action against perpetrators of such acts.

Professor Tahir Mamman made this statement during a press briefing held in his office in Abuja, where he received the report on allegations of sexual harassment by Professor Cyril O. Ndifo, the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar.

Highlighting the seriousness of sexual harassment as a criminal offense, Professor Tahir Mamman emphasized that it must be dealt with firmly whenever and wherever it occurs. The Federal Ministry of Education is committed to doing everything within its power to combat this ugly trend in higher education institutions.

“The offense of sexual harassment is cancerous and must be eliminated at all costs. We must all work together to tackle this menace in our educational system,” stressed the Minister.

Professor Mamman reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to protecting vulnerable groups within the country’s educational system. He stated that he will ensure that perpetrators face severe punishment and that no one will be allowed to take advantage of vulnerable individuals.

In a statement released by the Director of Press, Mr. Ben Bem Goong, the Minister also announced the establishment of sexual offenses units within the Ministry and all higher education institutions to effectively address this issue.

In her report presentation, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Professor Florence Banku Obi, assured the Minister that all proper procedures were followed in handling the matter, including the suspension of the suspect, conducting appropriate inquiries, and setting up a disciplinary committee to hear all parties involved.

To ensure a high level of transparency, Professor Obi stated that the committee included the participation of the Public Complaint Commission, Nigeria Bar Association, Federation of Female Lawyers, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the Chief Judge of the Student’s Union High Court, as well as seven civil society organizations as observers.

As the fight against sexual harassment gains momentum, it is evident that the Ministry of Education and universities are resolute in safeguarding the well-being of students and maintaining an environment conducive to learning and growth.

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