Kano Vows Tough Legal Action Against Teachers Involved in Sexual Harassment

The Kano State Government has pledged to prosecute teachers guilty of sexually harassing students, supporting a new CAJA-led initiative aimed at implementing clear school policies, raising awareness, and empowering survivors.

The Kano State Government has declared a firm stance against sexual harassment in schools, announcing that any teacher or school staff found guilty of harassing students will face immediate dismissal and full legal prosecution.

This announcement came through Ibrahim Sumaila, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abba Yusuf on Student Matters, during a press briefing following a stakeholder meeting organized by the Centre for Awareness on Justice and Accountability (CAJA).

“As an Islamic state, we will never allow our daughters to be subjected to abuse. Any teacher who crosses that line will be removed and prosecuted,” Sumaila stated firmly.

The government also reaffirmed its support for non-governmental organizations working to reform the educational system and safeguard students.

The CAJA-led meeting marked the launch of a six-month campaign to combat sexual harassment in educational institutions by pushing for clear internal policies in both secondary and tertiary schools. According to CAJA’s Executive Director, Kabiru Dakata, the lack of formal guidelines on sexual misconduct in many institutions has left students vulnerable.

“After years of pushing for national legislation, we’re shifting focus to achievable institutional reforms. Many victims are suffering in silence or dropping out rather than report abusive lecturers,” Dakata said.

He noted that students often don’t know where to report incidents, highlighting a serious gap in school support systems.

Barrister Maryam Ahmad Abubakar, a legal expert who spoke at the event, defined sexual harassment as any unwelcome behavior—verbal, physical, or psychological—that makes the learning environment unsafe. She stressed the importance of educating both students and staff about boundaries and promoting moral and religious instruction.

Key recommendations from the forum included stricter penalties for perpetrators, revisions to admission and employment age policies, and the integration of values-based education into school curricula.

Backed by the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund and other partners, CAJA also plans to empower survivors as advocates, organize awareness programs in schools, and produce educational materials to foster better understanding and prevention of sexual harassment.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, PUNCH