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By Akpan David, Calabar
Array of Women’s rights groups, including elderly women took to the streets of Calabar on Tuesday to protest increasing sexual harassment of female students at UNICAL and other institutions in Nigeria.
They held placards condemning the likes of Prof Cyril Ndifon who was suspended as dean of faculty of law of UNICAL who reportedly assaulted female students demanding sex for marks.
One of the local women leaders, 58 year old Madam Angelina Akpan said, “We completely condemn the reported harassment of our children. This should never be encouraged otherwise it will persistently intimidate and dampen our children.”
In their separate reactions during the public protest held on campus, Ebere Ifendu, President of Women In Politics, Felicia Onibon, President of 100 Women Lobby Group and
Ladi Bala, President of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), said because of the severity of the allegations and to lend supports and confidence in the female student, they had to physically identify with the protest.
National President of NAWOJ, Ladi Bala
In their joint statement, Women Networks under the Women’s Voice and Leadership (WVL) Project of ActionAid Nigeria, said that the unwarranted intimidation and sexual harassment at UNICAL was unacceptable.
They demanded for stringent measures against Prof Ndifon and commended the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof Florence Banki Obi for the swift action taken by suspending and raising a panel to probe him.
The women have demanded for “a full and comprehensive investigation into the condemnable matter as well as ensure proper prosecution of Prof Ndifon to serve as deterrent to others with similar behavioural pattern or intention(s).
“Towards this end, we urge heads of educational institutions in the country to as a matter of public importance, borrow a leaf from the Vice Chancellor of UNICAL by creating a safe space for giris to voice out against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in schools.
“Such proactive measures will go a long way to create the environment such as the type that empowered the law students of UNICAL to stage a protest and opened up on the constant sexual harassment and abuse of their bodies by lecturers of the institution.”
The women insisted that there should never be sex for Mark’s in Nigerian schools.
Also, condemning the sex saga in UNICAL, wife of Cross River governor, Rev. Eyoanwan Otu said the plethora of allegations was worrisome and should be concerning to any decent and God-fearing individual and institution.
She called for thorough investigation and prosecution of the individual if a prima facie case is established against him.
The Wife of the Governor reiterated her commitment to continue to fight for the rights of survivors of sexual and gender based violence, as well as create a culture of safety and respect for all women, youths, and children in Cross River State .
Otu said, as an advocate against all forms of gender based violence and molestation, she stands in solidarity with all survivors of sexual abuse in all institutions, especially in universities.
“Sexual abuse is a serious crime that has devastating consequences on survivors, both personally and professionally. It causes physical and emotional torture and can have a lasting impact on a survivor’s academic and professional life.
“We understand that sexual abuse is often under-reported and survivors are stigmatized. However, we would like to encourage survivors to speak up and come out to get the help they need.”
