Gombe State University: Boosts Awareness For Sexual Harassment Policy

• Gombe State University's Centre for Gender Studies urged students and staff to familiarize themselves with the institution's sexual harassment policy and report violations.
• The university launched its sexual harassment policy in April and recently conducted a campus-wide awareness walk led by Dr. Aishatu Abubakar-Kumo.
• Approximately 50 desk officers have been established across various departments and locations to receive complaints.
• Students are encouraged to use smartphones to document incidents of harassment to aid in reporting and follow-up.
• The reporting mechanism is open to all members of the university community, regardless of their status.

Crucially, the university encourages individuals to gather evidence when reporting incidents.

Gombe State University has intensified efforts to combat sexual harassment within its community, urging both students and staff to thoroughly acquaint themselves with the institution's established policy and to promptly report any violations. This proactive stance was underscored by a recent campus-wide awareness walk, spearheaded by the Centre for Gender Studies. Dr. Aishatu Abubakar-Kumo, who directs the Centre, emphasized the critical need for all members of the university community to grasp what constitutes sexual harassment, understand preventative measures, and know the available channels for reporting incidents.

The awareness campaign, which included the distribution of physical copies to various offices and electronic versions across online platforms, aims to cultivate a secure and respectful atmosphere. Although the university officially launched its Gombe State University sexual harassment policy in April, the planned awareness walk could not be executed immediately. The core objective remains to ensure widespread understanding of the policy's rules and regulations, fostering an environment where students can pursue their studies and live comfortably, as if in their own homes. The policy explicitly outlines acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, clarifying the "dos and don'ts" that could lead to incidents of sexual harassment.

To facilitate reporting, Gombe State University has strategically positioned approximately 50 dedicated desk officers across its main campus, Dukku, and other university locations, embedded within various departments and units. These officers are tasked with receiving complaints, ensuring accessibility for all members of the community. While the Centre for Gender Studies has yet to receive any formal complaints since the policy's inception, Dr. Abubakar-Kumo acknowledged that informal reports of alleged incidents have surfaced. She reiterated that the university's reporting channels are fully operational and open to everyone, irrespective of their position or status within the institution.

Crucially, the university encourages individuals to gather evidence when reporting incidents. Dr. Abubakar-Kumo specifically advised students to leverage their smartphones to document any attempts at harassment, whether from a lecturer, another student, or any other individual. This emphasis on evidence collection is designed to strengthen complaints, enabling the university to conduct thorough follow-ups. The institution's commitment to investigating all reported incidents underscores its dedication to accountability and maintaining a safe educational environment, enhancing Gombe varsity sexual harassment awareness.

Beyond direct reporting, the university also highlights the significant role of bystanders in preventing sexual harassment. Dr. Abubakar-Kumo urged students to be proactive in protecting themselves and others, stressing that even a simple word or the act of reporting an observed incident can make a substantial difference. This collective responsibility is central to the policy's effectiveness, fostering a community where individuals feel empowered to intervene and report, thereby improving Nigeria university sexual harassment reporting.

The recent awareness walk itself, which commenced at the Rashidi Multipurpose Hall and traversed key areas including the faculties of Social Sciences, Education, and Science, student hostels, the medical college, part-time and Open Distance Learning sections, the library, and postgraduate facilities before concluding at the T-junction, exemplified the university's commitment. During the exercise, arrangements were made for water and an ambulance, and no incidents were recorded. Dr. Abubakar-Kumo concluded by advising all members of the university community to diligently study the policy document, asserting that a thorough understanding is essential for distinguishing between conduct that constitutes sexual harassment and behavior that does not.

Lawyers advising clients within Nigerian educational institutions should note the proactive stance of Gombe State University in implementing and promoting its sexual harassment policy and reporting mechanisms. This signals a growing institutional focus on accountability and the importance of advising clients on internal reporting channels and evidence collection, particularly given the university's encouragement for individuals to document incidents.

Source: Original reporting via Punch