President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, called for stricter laws to prevent girls from being abused in schools.
A statement by the President’s Spokesman, Garba Shehu, said the President’s reaction is coming on the heels of increasing reports of sexual harassments of students in several institutions, including universities across Nigeria
The President, however, expressed joy over the recent unearthing of high-profile sexual abuse cases in institutions of higher learning in the country, adding that “the incident was exposed through under-cover news reporting at the University of Lagos.
The President also expressed satisfaction that the incident has spurred an amendment to our laws regarding the issue in the National Assembly.
President Buhari said such proposed amendments passed by the Legislature will get his support as long as they conform to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The country must do more to address incidents of sexual violence, sexual abuses in our schools, discrimination, human trafficking and cultural practices that violate women’s rights,” said the President.
He urged law enforcement agencies and school administrators to take up such cases with every seriousness and ensure that perpetrators face the consequences of their actions.
“Survivors and their families must avoid cover-up. They should be encouraged to come forth and report cases of abuses wherever and whenever they occur,” the President demanded.
Tony Ailemen, Abuja
