By Samuel Luka, Bauchi
The United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, Bauchi, has urged students and institutions to adopt zero tolerance for gender-based violence, saying abuse undermines development and violates fundamental human rights.
The call was made on Wednesday by Deborah Tabara, Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst and Coordinator, UNFPA Bauchi, during a one-day sensitization on the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) VAPP Law at Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, ATAP, Bauchi.
The programme was organized by the Bauchi State Ministry of Justice in collaboration with UNFPA and ATAP.
Tabara said UNFPA’s mandate places young people at the centre of development. “We are the reproductive health arm of the United Nations. Our mission is to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every child is safe, and every young person achieves their potential,” she said, adding that addressing GBV is key to achieving the agency’s three transformative goals.
She described GBV as a violation that affects everyone. “Whether you are a girl or a boy, a woman or a man, gender-based violence has devastating effects in public or private spaces. It impedes development because when a person is associated with it, there is no advancement,” Tabara said. She announced a new partnership between UNFPA, the Ministry of Justice and ATAP to entrench accountability on campus.
The UNFPA official declared a zero-tolerance stance and urged reporting. “Tolerance for gender-based violence must be zero. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure it does not occur, between students, lecturers, or both,” she said. “One rape plus silence equals multiple rapes. When there is no deterrence, the perpetrator continues. But when we speak up, GBV can be addressed.”
Speaking for the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor General of Bauchi state, the Director of Public Prosecution, Barr. Garba Dabo Maleka, warned students against sexual exploitation for grades. “You are future leaders, engineers and scientists. We want you to be safe and prepared. Do not select sex as a way of getting marks or allocation,” he said.
Maleka listed reporting channels including his office, the Permanent Secretary, the police and campus counselors, and advised rape victims to seek immediate medical attention.
The management of ATAP pledged full alignment with the state’s policy to eradicate GBV.
Speaking for the Rector, Dr. Hashim Sabo Bello, Director of Ethics and Compliance, Dr. Alhaji Abdulkadir Waziri, said the polytechnic has a gender and sexual harassment committee and is taking disciplinary and legal action against offenders. “The theme is timely and aligned with our core values of dignity, integrity and respect for human dignity,” he said.
Gender Desk Officer at the Ministry of Justice, Maimuna Ibrahim Yusuf, urged all tertiary institutions in the state to establish functional gender desks and grievance committees.
She said the objective is to educate students and staff on what constitutes GBV, its legal implications, and to strengthen reporting channels.
The workshop drew students, faculty, counselors and security officials. The Ministry of Justice said it will continue working with school managements to ensure gender desks are accessible, while partners including J4PD said they will work with health stakeholders, journalists and community groups to drive awareness and early action on GBV prevention in the coming months.
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