The management and students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) have reiterated their unwavering commitment to combating gender-based violence, discrimination, and sexual harassment within the institution.
During a recent advocacy visit by the non-governmental organization, Alliances for Africa, in collaboration with the Centres for Gender Studies, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mathias Ananti, reaffirmed the university’s zero-tolerance policy on these sensitive issues. Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, Ananti emphasized that collaborative efforts are crucial to address these pervasive problems.
Ananti identified a culture of silence, fear of stigmatization, and lack of robust data as major obstacles in eradicating gender-based violence and harassment. He announced that COOU is committed to institutionalizing its Centre for Gender-based Studies to strengthen policies, support systems, and enforcement mechanisms, creating a safer and more supportive academic environment.
In her remarks, the Programmes Director at Alliances for Africa, Blessing Duru, highlighted the persistent nature of gender-based violence and sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions, including COOU. She called on COOU to formalize its Centre for Gender-based Studies and implement policy checks and mechanisms to tackle these issues effectively.
Duru stressed the importance of establishing clear reporting channels, conducting transparent investigations, and enforcing serious consequences for perpetrators to show true commitment to addressing gender discrimination and harassment.
Through these measures, COOU aims not only to ensure a safer environment for students and staff but also to position itself as a national leader in the fight against gender-based violence in educational institutions.
