Growing concerns over school-related gender-based violence in Nigeria have prompted renewed efforts to strengthen protection systems for children and improve access to justice for survivors.
The initiative was the focus of a three-day capacity-building programme held in Abuja.
It was organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice through its Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Unit in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education.
The programme also received support from UNESCO and the European Union Support to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria Programme implemented by International IDEA.
The training brought together school administrators, teachers, counsellors, security agencies, civil society organisations and other education stakeholders.
Participants were trained on the 2024 Standard Operating Procedure on the legal pathway for prosecuting school-related gender-based violence cases.
The Head of the SGBV Unit at the Ministry of Justice, Yewande Gbola-Awopetu, said the initiative seeks to strengthen accountability systems and ensure survivors are not denied justice due to weak reporting and coordination gaps.
She explained that the training is aimed at equipping school-based actors to identify, document, preserve evidence and activate proper referral and prosecution processes.
Representing International IDEA and the EU ESGBV Programme, GBV Policy and Strategy Development Specialist, Melissa Omene, said violence in schools continues to manifest through abuse, bullying, exploitation and other harmful practices affecting children’s wellbeing and learning outcomes.
She noted that teachers and counsellors often serve as first responders, making their capacity critical in ensuring victims receive timely protection and support.
The Head of the Gender Unit at the Federal Ministry of Education, Augustina Agiliga Osa, commended the collaboration and urged participants to ensure the training is translated into action within schools and institutions.
Executive Director of Protect the Child Foundation, Elizabeth Ebulejonu Achimugu, highlighted the impact of school-based violence on student retention and academic performance, stressing the need for stronger first-response systems.
Participants were encouraged to cascade the training in their respective institutions to strengthen prevention, improve reporting and reduce impunity in schools.