Blessing Nweke
The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) has called on authorities of higher institutions in the southeastern region to urgently address anomalies within academic environments, including cases of student victimization and sexual harassment.
FOSAD pledged its full support to help implement necessary reforms to foster a safe and conducive learning atmosphere.
The forum’s intervention comes amid growing concerns over reports of sexual harassment, victimization and other unethical conduct plaguing some institutions in the region. University authorities have recently faced pressure to decisively confront the menace and protect students and staff.
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In a strongly-worded statement, FOSAD President Dr. Stephen Nwala and Secretary-General Dr. Uzor Ngoladi outlined urgent recommendations for universities and other tertiary institutions to tackle these pressing issues.
Top is a demand for thorough, immediate and transparent investigations into all reported cases of harassment and victimization of students. The forum insists on accessible means for students and staff to lodge complaints without fear of retribution.
FOSAD also called for strict enforcement of robust policies against such misconduct, with consequences well-publicized to the university community.
Thirdly, the management must come up with a solid objective committee whose major responsibility is to look into complaints boarding on issues of victimization and harassment. The body should be independent and readily available to staff and students.
Mandatory training programmes on ethical conduct, and the importance of maintaining a supportive environment for learning should be made available for both staff and students. Regular awareness initiatives which will educate and remind students about their rights and available assistance should also be provided.
Lastly, FOSAD urged the management to set up an independent body that will oversee and ensure implementation of these polices. This body will also monitor the overall academic environment in order to ascertain and give feedback, to ensure continuous improvement.
“Our academic institutions must be bastions of integrity, safety and respect. It is imperative that we act decisively to address these pressing issues,” said the Forum.
FOSAD expressed confidence in the leadership of the institutions to initiate the necessary reforms, stressing that it is committed to rendering full support and expertise to drive the transformative process.
FOSAD emphasized that the wellbeing and success of students and staff remain paramount. It called for collaboration among all stakeholders to create a nurturing and secure academic environment befitting of world-class standards.
