Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, have been urged to steer clear of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) as a step towards securing a successful academic and professional future.
The call was made during a sensitization campaign organized by the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme.
Speaking at the event held at the new Faculty of Education lecture building, the Team Lead and Chairperson of the Service Providers and Accountability Resource Committee (SPARC) in the Ministry of Justice, Rachael Yohanna, emphasized the dangers of SGBV and the need for students to remain focused on their academic pursuits.
She stressed the importance of cultivating a culture of respect and dignity, urging students to reject all forms of sexual violence.
“Our aim is to educate students on the dangers of SGBV and the importance of reporting cases to the appropriate authorities. We recognize that many rape cases occur in university environments, and we are here to ensure students are informed and empowered to speak up,” she said.
Yohanna explained the concept of consent, warning that individuals below 18 years of age cannot legally give consent to sexual activity. She advised students to set personal boundaries to protect themselves from becoming victims or perpetrators of abuse.
She encouraged students to report any instances of sexual violence in their environment, noting that such reports help the state government track and monitor offenders for inclusion in both the state and national Sexual Offender Registers (SOR).
“Anyone found guilty of rape, defilement, or other sexual offenses will have their details entered into the database, which is shared nationally,” she added.
Yohanna described the offender register as part of broader efforts by the state to combat sexual violence and foster a culture of accountability.
She further advised victims to seek prompt medical attention and testing following any incident, both to collect evidence and to access necessary treatment. In rape cases, she assured students that the Ministry of Justice would provide free legal representation.
Yohanna also cautioned young men to be mindful of their behavior and avoid situations that could lead to false accusations capable of damaging their future.
Also speaking, Executive Director of Creative Minds Center for Youth and Community Development, Ugochi Freeman, urged students to avoid unhealthy relationships. She warned that cohabitation and the “campus couple” culture often expose young people to exploitation and abuse.
In his remarks, Dr. Gabriel Alonta, a lecturer at the university, welcomed the initiative as timely and necessary. He encouraged students to take the lessons seriously and live responsibly in order to achieve their academic goals.
