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The Enugu State government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating the sex-for-grade menace in its tertiary institutions, warning that any offender, regardless of their position, will face severe consequences.
This declaration was made on Wednesday, September 25th, 2024, during a one-day meeting involving knowledge management stakeholders and leaders from tertiary education institutions, focused on the “state-level adoption of the model anti-sexual harassment policy in Enugu State,” convened by the state Ministry of Education, in partnership with Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI).
Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the Secretary to the State Government, delivered a passionate address at the meeting, emphasizing that Governor Peter Mbah is resolute on this issue and intends to make an example of multiple offenders.
“We are prepared to hold individuals accountable in this state. Academics found guilty of harassing students or soliciting sexual favours for grades will be swiftly prosecuted. I assure you that, once the information is processed, those individuals will face immediate legal action.”
Prof. Onyia also mentioned that the state intends to engage the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) as a partner in this initiative, reinforcing the government’s zero tolerance for such misconduct. He noted that several sting operations have already been conducted at various institutions.
This policy establishes the framework for our vision as a state, and I urge everyone to collaborate in this endeavor, as the Enugu State government, under His Excellency, is firmly committed.
“This policy will extend to secondary schools as well, and we will engage closely with female students. Our sting operations will capture offenders regardless of their age"
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, provided an overview of the policy’s formulation, noting that the “policy document is the result of extensive collaborative research, assessment, peer review, and feedback.”
Prof. Mbah explained that they are working alongside the Gender Mobile Initiative and the ICPC to implement the National Anti-sexual Harassment Policy in Tertiary Institutions. This meeting marks the second step following the gathering in Abuja in July 2024.
“This initiative is part of our commitment to creating safe campuses. We aim to foster an inclusive and respectable academic environment where students and professionals can learn without fear of threats or harassment.
“This is part of His Excellency, Barr. Peter Mbah’s mandate for ethical leadership in Enugu State, and the Gender Mobile partners have expressed satisfaction with the turnout at today’s meeting.”
He further disclosed that the Anti-sexual Harassment Policy encompasses all educational levels—basic schools, senior secondary, and tertiary institutions—but implementation will begin with tertiary education and then expand to the basic education system.
Explaining how this policy will be rolled out to the institutions, Dr. Ernest Ogezi, the Learning Measurement and Evaluation Manager at the Gender Mobile Initiative, said, “Enugu is setting the standard by developing a state-level anti-sexual harassment policy, which is commendable.”
