By Abubakar Rabilu Gombe
Gombe State University has formally launched a Sexual Harassment Policy aimed at strengthening the protection of students and staff, and entrenching a safer, more respectful and merit-driven academic environment.
The policy was unveiled at a well-attended ceremony that drew university management, gender advocates, civil society organisations, and representatives of government institutions.
The event underscored growing concern over sexual harassment in tertiary institutions and the need for stronger preventive systems, clear reporting structures, and enforceable sanctions.
Speaking at the occasion, the Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, Prof. Aishatu Abubakar Kumo, said the policy provides a comprehensive framework for identifying and addressing all forms of sexual harassment within the university community.
According to her, the document clearly defines sexual harassment to include verbal and written remarks, physical contact, gestures, emojis, and electronic communications that are unwelcome and inappropriate in an academic setting.
Prof. Kumo stressed that the university maintains a zero-tolerance stance on any conduct capable of undermining dignity, compromising academic integrity, or creating an unsafe learning and working environment.
She explained that the policy is designed to reinforce professionalism in academic relationships, noting that lecturers and other staff are expected to uphold strict ethical standards in their interactions with students.
“Academic achievement must be based strictly on merit and due process. No individual is permitted to abuse authority or seek unfair advantage through inappropriate relationships or conduct,” she said.
She further stated that the policy incorporates institutional moral and ethical values that promote discipline, integrity, and mutual respect across the university system.
The framework also establishes confidential reporting mechanisms to encourage victims and witnesses to report cases without fear of stigma, intimidation, or retaliation. It further provides for the creation of an independent investigative committee to examine complaints and recommend appropriate disciplinary measures where necessary.
However, Prof. Kumo cautioned against false or malicious allegations, noting that all reports would undergo thorough investigation to ensure fairness, justice, and due process for all parties involved.
Delivering a keynote address, a representative of Gender Mobile Initiative, Fatima Abdullahi, described the policy as a major milestone in the university’s efforts to promote safety, accountability, and dignity within the learning environment.
She highlighted key components of the framework, including structured reporting channels, confidentiality safeguards, survivor support systems, appeal procedures, and clearly defined sanctions for offenders.
Abdullahi also introduced a digital reporting platform known as the Campus Pal App, which allows students to report incidents confidentially and access support services in real time.
Representatives of the Ministry of Justice, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) commended the initiative, describing it as timely and progressive.
They pledged continued collaboration with the university in strengthening enforcement mechanisms, awareness campaigns, and institutional response systems aimed at curbing misconduct.
Stakeholders at the event jointly called for sustained sensitisation programmes, stronger internal reporting structures, and strict enforcement of disciplinary measures to deter violations.
The ceremony ended with renewed commitments from all parties to ensure full implementation of the policy and to consolidate efforts toward building a safer, more accountable, and respectful academic environment at the university.
