Bauchi Government Sets Up Committee to Tackle Sexual Harassment in Higher Institutions

The Bauchi State Government has taken a decisive step towards combating sexual harassment in its tertiary institutions with the inauguration of a Ministerial Committee on Sexual Harassment.

The development was confirmed in a press release credited to Awwal Sani Waziri, Information and Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Higher Education and Regional Integration. The committee was officially launched on 5th March 2026 at the office of the Permanent Secretary, Abubakar Umar Secretariat, with key officials and stakeholders in attendance.

Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Tahir, who also serves as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, highlighted the importance of creating a safe environment for students and staff in higher institutions. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every student and staff member feels safe and respected in our institutions,” he said, urging committee members to take their roles seriously while assuring them of the government’s full support.

During the vote of thanks, Mrs. Dorarhy Stephen, representing the Gender Mobile Initiative, Bauchi State, commended Governor Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad for establishing the committee and acknowledged the ongoing efforts of Her Excellency Hajiya Dr. Aisha Lami Bala Muhammad in promoting gender safety. She pledged full cooperation and commitment from her organization to support the committee’s objectives.

The newly inaugurated committee comprises representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education and Regional Integration, tertiary institutions across the state, private Colleges of Education, Colleges of Health, the Aliko Dangote College of Nursing Sciences, and gender-focused organizations. Its mandate is to develop strategies to prevent sexual harassment and promote a culture of respect and safety within Bauchi State’s higher education institutions.