By Our Correspondent
Dr. Musa Abdullahi Sufi, a faculty member of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, Kano (MAAUN), on Thursday said that female students who report sexual harassment cases with full evidence against any lecturer will receive a payment of one million naira.
He further added that students who report sexual harassment against the proprietor of the university will receive a reward of seven million naira.
Dr. Sufi made the disclosure during a progress review meeting with stakeholders on the work of the Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee in tertiary educational institutions, organised by Centre For Awareness on Justice and Accountability, (CAJA)and other members of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Advocacy Cluster, held in Kano.
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He also stated that any lecturer found guilty of such misconduct will be dismissed from service, emphasizing the significance of attaching monetary aspects in exposing sexual harassment in tertiary educational institutions.
According to him, the university has installed CCTV cameras in all offices and lecture halls, closely monitoring the activities of students and lectures.
Dr. Sufi highlighted that success will be achieved as soon as the monetary aspect is included in addressing the menace.
Other heads of tertiary institutions such as Federal College of Agricultural Produce Technology, Kano State Polytechnic, College of Arts, Sciences, and Remedial Studies, and Saadatu Rimi University discussed their progress and challenges faced in the implementation of the Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee in their respective institutions.
Comrade Akibu Hamisu Garba, State Programme Officer of the Centre of Awareness on Justice and Accountability (CAJA), explained to Justice Watch News correspondent that the event was held to review the progress achieved by the Independent Sexual Harassment Committees in higher institutions.
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He further said the committee comprises seven members with three females, representatives of female lecturers, students, non-academic staff.
He added that the committee will assist students in pursuing their education freely without fear of harassment.
He revealed that the Participants also discussed the way forward on the Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational Institutions Bill, 2023, which aims to promote and protect ethical standards in tertiary institutions and protect students, academic and non-academic staff against sexual harassment, noting that the bill is awaiting Presidential assent.
