JUST IN: Sex-for-Grade Scandal in Enugu Tertiary Institutions, Enugu State Government Vows to Stamp Out Offenders to Face Severe Consequences

 


The Enugu State Government has made a bold statement against the sex-for-grade scandal plaguing its tertiary institutions, emphasizing that no offender, no matter their rank, will escape the law. This comes after a high-level meeting held on September 25th, 2024, by the Ministry of Education, which aimed at adopting the state-level anti-sexual harassment policy.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, stressed that Governor Peter Mbah is fully committed to addressing the menace. Prof. Onyia declared, "Academics who harass students or demand sexual favours in exchange for grades will face immediate prosecution." He assured stakeholders that the government is determined to set an example with those already under investigation.

This policy initiative follows sting operations carried out in various institutions, signaling the government’s zero tolerance towards sexual misconduct. Prof. Onyia revealed that the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) will be a crucial partner in enforcing this policy, ensuring that offenders are held accountable through swift legal actions.

The event marked a significant milestone as it gathered leaders from both public and private tertiary institutions. Unfortunately, Prof. Onyia expressed his disappointment over the absence of some Vice Chancellors, underlining the importance of their participation in future discussions.

Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, the Commissioner for Education, provided insights into the policy’s development, highlighting the collaboration with the Gender Mobile Initiative and the ICPC. He described the policy as "the outcome of extensive research, peer reviews, and feedback." The commissioner emphasized the state's commitment to creating a safe academic environment, starting with tertiary institutions and later expanding to secondary schools.

Dr. Ernest Ogezi, the Learning Measurement and Evaluation Manager at Gender Mobile, hailed Enugu's efforts in setting the pace with the adoption of this anti-sexual harassment policy. He explained that each institution would tailor the policy to suit its unique environment, ensuring its effectiveness. Institutions will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the Campus Safety Initiative (CSI), built on four pillars, and form a Technical Working Group (TWG), trained by the ICPC. The initiative will also see the appointment of campus ambassadors and town hall meetings with students and faculty.

During an interview, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for ICPC in Enugu and Ebonyi states, Kennedy Ebuhotemen, reinforced the commission’s dedication to eradicating sexual harassment in educational institutions. He stated, “There will be no sacred cows,” ensuring that those found guilty of such offenses will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

The adoption of the Model Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy, originally developed by the ICPC and the Gender Mobile Initiative, underscores the state's mission to combat sexual and gender-based violence, and to promote gender equality within educational systems.

This strong stance by the Enugu State Government sends a clear message to all institutions: sexual misconduct will not be tolerated, and offenders will be held accountable, regardless of their position.

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