The Sokoto State government has constituted Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response Committees for mixed and female schools across the state to address the rising cases of abuse.
According to the Executive Secretary of the Female Education Board, Professor Mustapha Namakkah, the Ministry of Education receives no fewer than 100 reports of abuse each school term.
In an interview with Daily Trust, Namakkah explained, “Each term, we receive at least 100 cases. Our goal is to eradicate or significantly reduce these incidents.”
“We encounter perpetrators in various capacities. In mixed schools, abuse often stems from male students while in girls’ schools, teachers or even administrators may sometimes be responsible,” Namakkah noted, adding that one such offender had been prosecuted and is currently serving a prison sentence.
Hajiya Fatima, the wife of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, officially inaugurated the committees, urging members to ensure that victims receive justice. She also advocated for a safe, secure, and conducive learning environment, especially for female students.