Quality university education is imperative in matching demand with supply in the prolong Nigeria’s  unemployment crisis,  Professor Ali Muhammad Garba of the Department of Business Administration, Bayero University, Kano, said.

Nigerian universities have been described as lagging behind in producing quality graduates that will compete everywhere in the world and for employment by the private sector.

A lecturer with the Department of Business Administration Bayero University Professor Ali Muhammad Garba stated this while presenting a paper titled the quality of University graduates, Imperative of Matching demand with supply organized by the center of information Technology and development CITAD in its series of Knowledge Production Dialogue.

The dialogue supported by Rosa Luxembourg foundation emphasized on quality education and enabling environment, seeks for a way out for Nigerian graduates to be accepted worldwide as qualitative workforce.

Professor Ali Muhammad Garba who was joined by Ms.Hilda K. Kragha the Chief executive officer, Jobberman, and Professor Pam Sha of NIPSS as moderators and panelists respectively said debates on the quality of Nigerian graduates have taken center stages with several complaints about their poor communication skills among others.

Professor Garba cited an example of how Late President Umaru Musa Yaradua lamented in a National Television that Nigerian university graduates are unemployable compared to graduates produced out by Nigerian Universities in the ’70s and ’80s.

He pointed out that to improve quality education in Nigeria there is an urgent need to have committed scholars like what ASUU has been advocating for as well as monitor changes in areas such as teaching quality, curriculum performance and so on.

He said for Nigerian universities to overcome the challenges there is a serious need for curriculum development and overcoming poor research credibility.

He added that that was the main reasons Academic staff union of universities had overrunning battle with previous administrations including the Babangida administration.

The university don further urged Nigerian Universities to institute a formal mechanism for evaluating the quality or opt for condensed measures provided by UNESCO to suit their purposes and goals.

He said education should not be put to random events or wishes of the operator.

On her part, MS Hilda .K Krgha said  Jobberman is seeking to link five million youth to jobs in the next five years with a focus on Kaduna, Kano, and Lagos within the Agriculture, Digital and Creative sectors.

MS Hilda added that there should be an awareness creation amongst students to sign up on Jobberman’s platform and register for free soft skills training will be useful for them as they complete their studies in the near future.

A cigaba da gudanar da taron ƙarawa juna sani da cibiyar bunkasa fasahar sadarwa ta zamani da ci gaban al’umma CITAD, ta ke yi, cibiyar ta shiryawa daliban jami’a taron ƙarawa juna sani akan sana’o’i da kuma ƙwarewa domin dogaro da kai.

Taron wanda ya gudana a dandalin Zoom ya samu halartar masana daga jami’o’in ƙasar nan daban, inda Farfesa Muhammad Ali Garba daga Jami’ar Bayero da ke Kano, ya gabatar da ƙasida mai taken Babban giɓin sana’o’i da ƙwarewa a tsakankanin ɗaliban jami’a, inda Hilda K Kragha daga cibiyar da ke samar da aiyukan yi ta Jobberman, ta zama mai sanya idanu, sai kuma Farfesa Pam Sha daga cibiyar nazarin manufofi da muhimman bukatu ta kasa (NIPSS) da ke Kuru kusa da Jos, ya zama alkalin taron.

Tun da farko cibiyar CITAD ta saba gudanar da taron ƙarawa juna sanin a duk wata, wanda ya ke samun tallafin gidauniyar Rosa Luxemburg, wacce babbar manufarta shi ne faɗaɗa tunanin a tsakankanin daliban jami’o’in Najeriya, wanda hakan zai ba su wadataccen ilimin da za su yi amfani da shi wajen dogaro da kai bayan kammala karatu, tare kuma da farfaɗo da ɗabi’ar nan ta yin karatu a tsakankanin matasa.

Hakazalika taron ƙarawa juna sanin ya mayar da hankali kacokam akan giɓin da ke tsakanin ɗaliban jami’a da kuma ƙwarewa akan wata fasaha a lokacin da suka kammala karatunsu, domin masana da masu yin sharhi akan al’amuran yau da kullum sun sha bayyana cewa ɗaliban da jami’o’in ƙasar nan ke yayewa ba su da ƙwarewa a lokacin da su ka fita neman aiki.

A ƙarshen taron masana sun bayyana yadda za a bunƙasa harkar koyarwa a jami’o’in Najeriya wanda hakan zai sanya su yi gogayya da takwarorinsu na ƙasashen d uniya.

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) organized a dialogue with the title: “Critical Skills Gap in Undergraduate Training in Nigerian Universities”, held on Tuesday, 14^th July, 2020.

Panelists at the dialogue are Professor Ali Muhammad Garba of Department of Business Administration, Bayero University, Kano, and Ms. Hilda K. Kragha, Chief Executive Officer of Jobberman, while Professor Pam Sha of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, served as moderator.

The program was organized with support from Rosa Luxemburg Foundation West Africa, with the aim to promote critical thinking among Nigerian students and equip the them with proper knowledge that they can use to excel in labor markets upon graduation.

The seminar which was conducted online focused on the gaps that exist between Nigerian universities’ undergraduate students and the skills needed in the labor market.

The panelists discussed extensively how teaching in Nigerian universities can be improved to compete with those of developed countries.

DATE: 7TH TO 15^TH JULY, 2020

The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) is the main United Nation platform on sustainable development. It has a central role in the follow up and reviews of implementation of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the global level.

All UN Member States as well as representatives from civil society organizations participate in its meetings. The Forum adopts intergovernmental negotiated political declarations at the conclusion of its eight day session.

The High Level Political Forum meets under the auspices of the United Nation Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) annually. In 2020, ECOSOC convened the 2020 session of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development from Tuesday, 7 July, to Thursday, 16 July 2020.

The HLPF was revised due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The HLPF took place virtually, and several thematic discussions on the building back better after the pandemic was added to the schedule.

This year’s HLPF Actionaid and CITAD planned for the inclusion of rural communities in FCT to remotely participate in the high level political forum, Leaving No One Behind! Five ICT Centres in FCT communities: Dakwa, Tungan Ashere, Pasepa, Leleyi Gwari and Gaube participated in the forum virtually from 8^th July to 15^th July. Community Facilitators in the ICT Communities facilitated the forum remotely in their respective communities. The aim is to ensure inclusivity and lifelong learning.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing guideline, 7 youths participated in each centre (Male and Female). The idea is for the participants to learn. Ask questions from other region experiences on SDGs engagements and also share our own experience in Country.

The VNR Labs provide an informal platform to share best practices and to reflect on the experience with the VNRs, focusing on cross-cutting themes and country experiences.

It is widely recognized that the successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda requires a transformation in our societies that can only be achieved through engaging and leveraging the unique roles and resources of all sectors and stakeholders of society.

In continuation of its sensitization program on COVID-19 in Nigeria, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), held its 26th edition of Twitter Chat in the 7th of July 2020.

The guest was Aliyu Dahiru Aliyu, a Researcher and Editor at Humangle Newspaper. He discussed on the topic “COVID19: Countering Misinformation from Religious Perspective” He started by saying, Misinformation from a religious perspective is a deliberate spread of false statements to achieve particular goal. From religious angle it is the same as “lying” or “hypocrisy. He said there are many misinformation being spread by different religious followers in Nigeria but the most popular ones include that Covid-19 is a bioweapons created to attack Muslims and the one saying that facemask has no medical use. The purveyor said it is political manipulation intended to make a puppet out of Nigerians.

In responding to a question on how misinformation change the perception of people toward the disease? He said, explaining the difference between disinformation and misinformation first will help answer the question, he said while the former is intentional spread of false information, the latter is unintentional that may arise due to social trust or lack of digital literacy and critical thinking. Both harm people.

He stated that ordinary follower has a role in tackling religious misinformation, according to him the Prophet of Islam commanded that we shouldn’t be sharing whatever we receive without thorough investigation. An individual has to fact-check claims before forwarding to anyone to avoid misinforming people.

He was asked to what extent misinformation and disinformation jeopardizes the fight against this deadly virus. He respond by saying that “I think misinformation and disinformation has caused many people stop being serious about the pandemic. Many people have said it’s just a flu and others said government is lying to people. Others avoid social distancing measures and continue joining religious gatherings”

In responding to another question which says ‘Islam teaches and promotes truthfulness and even set some rules and regulations before accepting a narration. Who misinform people to achieve certain goals?

He said Islam is a perfect religion, but Muslims are not. Although we all know lying is haram, unless under special condition to protect lives, but it is part of human nature to lie. One can’t escape his innate psychological motives without serious efforts. Muslims too spread lies.

In conclusion he advises the government and other concerned institutions on measures they should take in countering disinformation and disinformation.

He said both the Government and the clerics should work together in saving lives. For the clerics, they should please allow experts to speak on medical issues. When it comes to spiritual exercises, clerics are in better position to speak. But this is pandemic, they should allow epidemiologists to speak.

Also Government should use the clerics in fighting religious misinformation. They are so powerful that no institution can do away with them. Radio jingles and attitudes of the government officials are also influencing people.

Engagement:

Good afternoon all, please welcome @Aliyussufiy, editor at @HumAngle_ who will be discussing on countering disinformation from religious perspective on the fight against Covid19. @YZYau @fareedear @ICTAdvocates @Mairo_Ado @HariraWakili @ChiromaHope @sagiru_ado @kamalkano

Replying to

@ChiromaHope

@a_sabo12 and 8 others

Thank you

Malam

@Aliyussufiy

We will like to know the kind of misinformation being spread by different religious followers in Nigeria.

There are many, but the most popular ones include that Covid-19 is a bioweapon created to attack Muslims and the one saying that face-mask has no medical use. The purveyor said it is political manipulation intended to make a puppet out of Nigerians.

Malam

@Aliyussufiy

, do an ordinary follower have any role to in tackling religious misinformation? If yes, how?

Replying to

@ChiromaHope

@a_sabo12 and 9 others

The Prophet of Islam commanded that we shouldn’t be sharing whatever we receive without thorough investigation. An individual has to fact-check claims before forwarding to anyone to avoid misinforming people.

So what measures do you think government and other concerned institutions should take in countering disinformation and disinformation which is mostly spread by religious leaders looking at how sensitive religion is in the country and the large number of followers they have?

The two should work together in saving lives. For the clerics, they should please allow experts to speak on medical issues. When it comes to spiritual exercises, clerics are in better position to speak. But this is pandemic, they should allow epidemiologists to speak. Please

Government should use the clerics in fighting religious misinformation. They are so powerful that no institution can do away with them. Radio jingles and attitudes of the government officials are also influencing people.

@Aliyussufiy, permit us to take you back a little, can you please explain what disinformation from religious perspective is?

Disinformation is a deliberate spread of false statements to achieve particular goal. From religious angle it is the same as “lying” or “hypocrisy”.

And how did these misinformation change the prospection of people toward the disease?

Let’s explain the difference between disinformation and misinformation first. While the former is intentional spread of false information, the latter is unintentional that may arise due to social trust or lack of digital literacy and critical thinking. Both harm people.

In your experience, sir, to what extent does misinformation and disinformation jeopardize the fight against this deadly virus?

I think misinformation and disinformation has caused many people stop being serious about the pandemic. Many people have said it’s just a flu and others said government is lying to people. Others avoid social distancing measures and continue joining religious gatherings.

@ICTAdvocates

@a_sabo12

@Aliyussufiy

Islam teaches and promotes truthfulness and even set some rules and regulations b/4 accepting a narration. Who misinform people to achieve certain goals?

Islam is a perfect religion, but Muslims are not. Although we all know lying is haram, unless under special condition to protect lives, but it is part of human nature to lie. One can’t escape his innate psychological motives without serious efforts. Muslims too spread lies.

Whoever try to explain it to them they will neither listen nor understand it coz it will against Malams’ opinion. Any approach to eradicate such?

I think critical thinking should be taught from secondary school level. This will instill the habit of questioning in the minds of youth. I believe, even though it will disturb some clerics in the first time, it will curtail the habit of consuming nonsense from pseudo clerics.

Malam Aliyu

@Aliyussufiy, thank you very much for this insightful discussion, on behalf of

@ICTAdvocates

‘s E.D & its entire staff we appreciate you for being with us at this hour & the educative discussion. Thank you once & have a nice day

@ChiromaHope

@ooomiiiii

@teemerh_beekay

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), held its 27th Twitter chat in the 9th of July 2020. The guest was, Olanrewaju Oyedeji, Coordinator, Digital Literacy Advocacy Club & Editor, TechMirror Magazine, he discussed on The Role of ICT in the Fight against Covid19. He started by answering the question on the meaning of ICT where he said that ICT is an acronym for Information and Communications Technology; it is the use of computers to store, retrieve and transmit information or data. It has transcended from computer to Digital gadgets/sites, Apps and other Computer networks.

According toAyodeji, ICT has now gone on beyond its definition to be a critical part of every global department and sector. So, defining ICT maybe determined on the context we are referring to and the purpose for such definitions. ICT has outgrown the books. On the way ICT can help in the fight against the deadly corona virus. He said, when the Covid-19 came to be, we had many persons who were worried & at the same time thankful that this kind of pandemic happened when the world is inter-connected. When we can say the world is a global village thanks to ICT. It has helped in many ways… For instance, we are talking of awareness created through ICT platforms. We would attest to the fact that Twitter for instance played huge roles in enlightening people on dangers of the virus, how and why to avoid it. We have had use of multimedia visuals spread on whatsapp….

He continue to explain that in the area of accountability and transparency, we have had ICT helping. We have had many persons who would have otherwise ‘died’ due to Covid-19 getting attention after alarm was raised using platforms powered by ICT, I can go on and on. Tweeted the guest. Take Nigeria for instance, we have seen the NCDC using multimedia platforms to reach Nigerians, it is not strange to see many Nigerians waiting on the Twitter handle of NCDC to see the figures for the day. We see news on lockdown shared here. He further stated that, ICT has helped in Nigeria. It has helped in many ways. Economically, socio-economically, reducing the spread, emotionally and psychologically, participatory solution to the pandemic, reducing civil disobedience and ensuring stability in governance. For instance, let us imagine that we do not have social media platforms for national awareness on the virus, the impact would have been colossal. Nigeria has through active citizens & citizenry engagement managed the virus thus far. Although, there are lapses. Oyedeji Emphasized.

On how can individuals, organizations & govt can leverage on these positive side of ICT & help in curtailing this virus or at least reduce its spread in our communities. The guest said that, we can use our social media platforms to promote awareness that Covid19 is still existing. The danger we have currently is the discussions we have on some platforms that Covid19 has winded up. We have more Nigerians online now and we must leverage on this.

The government must not just leave NCDC to giving us updates on figures & sending messages to phones, we must have the Orientation agency mobilized to the grassroots. Let me point it clear that if we must stop community transmission, we must harp on safety measures, we must begin to use ICT tools to rebrand the message we are passing. It has now gone beyond using facemasks but people understanding the usage. People may not listen to you talk to them on why they should not use borrowed Face masks but they read messages. I keep saying the govt, we now must begin to look at sending messages on Phones through local languages, and we would not assume that everybody understands English. As Covid19 elongates, we have myths about it spreading & we must stop this now at communities, we must.

Corporate organizations have their part to play. Members of staff of corporate organizations who also make up members of communities should be encouraged to be ambassadors of informing people on their whatsapp groups, facebook platforms about need to be proactive @ICTAdvocates

On the way digital solutions can aid Nigeria’s Covid-19 fight. He mentioned that, the fight against Covid19 is not just about curtailing the spread of the virus. Let us not forget importantly that the fight also involves economic stability and survival of people. We have had mobile health solutions currently but will dwell on hunger management. Digital solutions should aim at solving problems around Startups survival, solution that should reduce job loss. For instance, we should fashion ways of using Digital solutions to curb shutting down of companies. Solutions in Edutech, Agrotech and crisis management

In responding to the question that, World has in the past experienced pandemic deadly more than Covid 19 such as Spanish Fluid, but the fear and afraid of Covid 19 supersede more than any pandemic. Can we say that ICT at one angle contributes to this? He answered with Yes and No.

Yes because we have many fake information flying round on social media & this causes tension. It is same as when it was said that salt &water curbs Ebola. No, because you wouldn’t blame Social media for failure in information management round the country @ICTAdvocates. Lack of adequate test kits had created fear in minds of people that even the country cannot take care of them enough, when isolation centres were the issue, people panicked that they may die, when the country begged for ventilators, many Nigerians felt scared.

What I am saying is this; Spanish Flu would have had more fear if there were social media, it is what we can’t run away from. Failure of the system will enable fear anywhere, whether on social media or off it. So, even if there no SM, we would have fear @ICTAdvocates

Worldwide, in USA, Italy & many others, Social media created a necessary fear. Pandemic comes with fear, which is why every country must be more proactive nowadays because we are dealing with multiple information sources. He explained that Information and communication assisted public with regards to Covid19 pandemic in areas of awareness, creating hope for SMEs, getting verified information on policies from the right sources, creating new job opportunities for survival and many more time won’t permit to mention.

On the ways Nigeria can leverage on ICT in its economic recovery from the damage caused by covid-19. He said, Beyond Covid19, any country that will survive must invest in Digitalization. This is the time for Nigeria to have Digital Literates. Those who will understand how to tap into the market that will be created companies moving online. Education, Agriculture, Health, Manufacturing, Logistics, media, food & Beverages, Deliveries, Fintech will leverage more on ICT, we must build our economic recoveries around preparing our citizens for this change. It is not enough to pump money into the economy.

In his recommendations he mentioned:

1) We should use ICT to make our Covid19 easier to understand through local languages.

2) We should prepare for Post-Covid19 understanding that our citizens need to be faster prepared for Digitalization.

More pro-activeness in use of ICT to stop community transmissions.

We should also make messages passed understandable. We should start looking at survival through Digital media by making our citizens Digital literates.

We must manage information better through ICT.

Finally, we must see the reality of Covid19 by not just sending messages on adhering to protocols but ensuring that SMEs are assisted to survive in this time through ICT. We must begin to look at a Digital Nigeria(ns) now& post-Covid, that is our new system. Thanks

Centre for Awareness on Justice and Accountability (CAJA), has revealed that more that half population of female students studying in higher institutions in Kano suffered one form of sexual harassment from male academic and non academic staff.

Executive director of the Centre, Kabiru Saidu Dakata disclosed this during a virtual conferences organized by Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) on sexual harassment in higher institutions.

The three hours discussion held on zoom dissected issues around “Knowledge Production Dialogue Series Between Knowledge Production and Body Abuse: Debating Sexual Harassment in Knowledge Production Centres Confirmation in Kano”.

Kabiru who raised concern over the soaring rate of sexual abuse, revealed that recent survey conducted by the centre across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in Kano, indicated no less than 51.7 percent of female students have suffered some form of assault, abuse or outright rape in the hands of their academic and non-academic staff of their institutions.

According to him, ” Outcome of the survey indicated 45 percent physical touch or kiss by lecturers, 36 percent vocal request for sex from female students, 10 percent actual sex and 6 percent of rape. We also have percentages for cases of mutual resolution, no evidence to validate allegation and those on investigation”.

Although, the CAJA director affirmed circumstances where female students approach their male lectures for assistance, he regretted how lecturers usually take cheap advantage of students weaknesses to offer sexual commodity in exchange.

He also cited lack of effective channel to report case of sexual, inadequate security to protect students and absence of enabling laws to genuinely punish perpetrators of the heinous act as major predicament why rapists would never repent.

” Sexual assault and sometimes rape will continue in our higher institutions especially in Kano where we had our survey, for reasons I will advance. There is no proper and effective communication channel where student can safely report cases of assault.

” In some cases when the school authorities announced that we have set up a committee to look into an open case. You will realised the committee will take several months to ramp up their investigation and at the end of the day, is either the case is resolved amicably without justice or everything is buried.

” Also we find out that security in our schools is not very effective to secure female students. You will also realise that our legal instrument lack the strength to severely met our punishment against rapists, such that will serve as deterrent”.

Communication officer of CITAD, Ali Sabo stressed that the centre is advocating enabling laws to addressing the increasing trend in sexual assault on female students in Kano.

Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) is advocating enabling laws to address the increasing trend in sexual assault on female students in Kano State.

The communication officer of CITAD, Ali Sabo, disclosed this during a virtual conference organized by CITAD on sexual harassment in higher institutions, supported by Rosa Luxemburg Foundation West Africa.

At the conference, the Executive Director of Centre for Awareness on Justice and Accountability (CAJA) Kabiru Saidu Dakata, has revealed that more than half population of female students studying in higher institutions in Kano state suffered one form of sexual harassment at the institution.

The three hours discussion held on zoom has a theme: ‘Knowledge Production Dialogue Series Between Knowledge Production and Body Abuse: Debating Sexual Harassment in Knowledge Production Centres Confirmation in Kano’.

Dakata who raised concern over the soaring rate of sexual abuse, revealed that recent survey conducted by CAJA across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in Kano state, indicated that no less than 51.7 percent of female students have suffered some form of assault, abuse or outright rape in the hands of their academic and non-academic staff of their institutions.

The executive director affirmed circumstances where female students approach their male lectures for assistance, he regretted how lecturers usually take cheap advantage of students’ weaknesses to offer sexual commodity in exchange.

He also cited lack of effective channel to report case of sexual abuse, inadequate security to protect students and absence of enabling laws to genuinely punish perpetrators of the heinous act as major predicament why rapists would never repent.

Cibiyar Wayar da kan Al`umma akan Shugabanci na gari da Tabbatar da Adalci (CAJA), ta bayyana cewa fiye da rabin dalibai mata da su ke karatu a makarantun gaba da sakandire a jihar Kano suna fuskantar cin zarafi ta hanyar lalata daga malaman da su ke koya musu da kuma ma’aikatan makarantun.

Babban daraktan cibiyar Kabiru Saidu Dakata ne ya bayyana haka, a lokacin da ake gudanar da taron ƙarawa juna sani da Gidauniyar Rosa Luxemburg mai kula da Yammacin Afrika ta ɗauki nauyin gudanarwa tare da haɗin gwiwar Cibiyar bunkasa fasahar sadarwa ta zamani da ci gaban al`umma CITAD, wanda aka shirya a shafin Internet, akan cin zarafin da ake yiwa mata a manyan makarantun gaba da sakandire a jihar Kano.

Taron ƙarawa juna sanin wanda ya ɗauki tsahon awanni 3, an yi muhawara akan samar da ilimi da kuma cin zarafi ta hanyar lalata, cin zarafin mata ta hanyar lalata a manyan makarantun da ke jihar Kano.

Kabiru Dakata wanda ya nuna matuƙar takaicinsa a game da yadda ake ƙara samun cin zarafin mata ta hanyar lalata a manyan makarantun da su ke jihar Kano, ya ƙara da cewa wani bincike da su ka gudanar a jami’o’i da kwalejin kimiyya da fasaha da kuma Kwalejin ilimi da su ke jihar Kano, ya bayyana cewa fiye da kaso 51 na ɗalibai mata suna fuskantar zagi, da cin zarafi ta hanyar lalata, a wasu lokutan ma Malamai da ma’aikatan makarantun na yi musu fyaɗe ta hanyar yi musu barazana akan harkokin karatunsu.

”Sakamakon binciken ya nuna cewa kaso 45 na ɗalibai mata sun fuskanci runguma ko kuma sumbatarsu (Kiss) daga Malamansu, yayin da kaso 36 su ka fuskanci kalaman batsa tare da neman buƙatar yin lalata da su daga Malaman na su, sai kuma kaso 10 da Malaman su ka yi lalata da su, ragowar kaso 6 kuma aka yi musu fyaɗe”

Hakazalika babban daraktan na CAJA ya bayyana irin yanayin da ɗalibai mata su kan tsinci kan su a lokacin da su ka buƙaci wani taimako daga Malaman na su, wanda su kuma su kan yi amfani da wannan damar wajen cimma buƙatarsu.

Kabiru Sa’idu Dakata, ya ce rashin wata takaimaimiyar hanya da ɗaliban da aka ci zarafinsu ta hanyar lalata za su kai rahoto, da kuma ƙarancin jami’an tsaron da za su baiwa ɗaliban kariya tare kuma da rashin dokokin da za su hukunta masu wannan mummunar ɗabi’ar, su ne manyan dalilan da ya sa ake yawan samun ƙaruwar lamarin.

”Za a cigaba da samun cin zarafin mata ta hanyar lalata tare da yi musu fyaɗe a manyan makarantu musamman a nan Kano, inda mu ka gudanar da binciken mu. Kuma zamu cigaba da gudanar da binciken, domin babu hanyoyin da daliban za su kai rahoton abin da ya ke faruwa da su.

”A mafi yawan lokuta idan aka samu faruwar irin wannan al’amarin za ka ji makarantun da abin ya faru a ciki sun kafa kwamitoci, wanda kuma a ƙarshe wannan kwamitin ya kan ɗauki watanni kafin ya fitar da sakamakon binciken, ko kuma a ƙarshe a cimma wata matsaya a sirrance ko a ja a rufe batun gaba daya”

”Mun lura cewa akwai ƙarancin jami’an tsaron da su ke manyan makarantun gaba da sakandire da za su lura da ɗalibai mata. Haka kuma dokokin mu ba su da ƙarfin da za su hukunta masu irin wannan mummunar dabi’ar da hakan zai sanya su zama abin misali”

A ƙarshe jami’in yaɗa labarai na Cibiyar bunkasa fasahar sadarwa ta zamani da ci gaban al`umma CITAD, Ali Sabo, ya ce cibiyarsu tana kokarin ganin ta wayar da kan mutane akan samar da dokokin da za su rage cin zarafin dalibai mata ta hanyar lalata a j ihar Kano.

By Abdulyassar Abdulhamid 

The Centre for Awareness on Justice and Accountability (CAJA), has revealed that more than half of the population of female students studying in higher institutions in Kano State suffer one form of sexual harassment or another from male academic and non-academic staff. 

Executive Director of the centre, Kabiru Saidu Dakata, disclosed this during a virtual conference organized by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) on sexual harassment in higher institutions, in collaboration with Rosa Luxamburg Foundation, West Africa.

The three-hour conference dissected issues bordering on “Knowledge Production, Dialogue Series between Knowledge Production and Body Abuse: Debating Sexual Harassment in Knowledge Production Centres Confirmation in Kano.”

According to Dakata, a recent survey conducted by the centre across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in the State, indicated no less than 51.7 percent of female students have suffered some form of assault, abuse or outright rape in the hands of academic and non-academic staff of their institutions.

He said:”The outcome of the survey indicated 45 percent physical touch or kiss by lecturers, 36 percent vocal request for sex from female students, 10 percent actual sex and 6 percent of rape. We also have percentages for cases of mutual resolution, no evidence to validate allegation and those on investigation.”

He added that in some circumstances female students approach their male lectures for assistance, regretting how lecturers take advantage of the helpless students’ weaknesses to offer sexual commodity in exchange.

He also cited lack of effective channel to report case of sexual, inadequate security to protect students and absence of enabling laws to genuinely punish perpetrators of the heinous acts as major predicament why rapists would never repent.

He added:”Sexual assault and sometimes rape will continue in our higher institutions especially in Kano where we had our survey, for reasons I will advance. There is no proper and effective communication channel where students can safely report cases of assault.

”In some cases when the school authorities announced that we have set up a committee to look into an open case. You will realise the committee will take several months to ramp up their investigation and at the end of the day, its’ either the case is resolved amicably without justice or everything is buried.

”Also, we found out that security in our schools is not very effective to secure female students. You will also realise that our legal instrument lacks the strength to severely met out punishment against rapists, such that will serve as deterrent.”

In his remarks, the Communication officer of CITAD, Mr Ali Sabo, stressed that the centre is advocating for enabling laws to address the increasing trend in sexual assault on female students in the state.

In continuation of its sensitization program on COVID-19 in Nigeria, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), held its 23rd edition of Twitter chat in the 25th of June, 2020.

The guest was Amina Mubarak Ahmad, State Lead, Bridge Connect Africa Initiative

She discussed on the topic “Impact of COVID 19 on domestic violence and the preventive measures”

She started by clearly saying the outbreak of COVID 19 has affected every-day life whereby the victims of domestic violence spend most considerable days with their abusers which has increased the likelihood of victims abused daily and most frequently.

She explained the contributors of domestic violence under the lockdown which are the restrictions of movement which gave birth rise to the frequent abuse and has stop the victims from seeking for help from relevant authorities.

In response to the questions addressed to her, she stated the global pandemic has affected the implementation process of ending Gender Base Violence and the need to review strategies in the implementation process. The Fight against Gender Based Violence should not be left in the hands of the Government and the CSOs because they can’t do it alone, people at the grassroots should play a vital role through community awareness campaigns and sensitization, supporting the victims of the Violence and also provide safe and enabling environment for gender based violence survivors without shaming and stigmatization. Social services will greatly have impact on the victims of domestic violence, through providing psychological and emotional support for the victims and also provide them with safe space where their voices will be heard.

In conclusion, she gave some recommendations, stating the need for community engagement in Gender Based Violence prevention and response and working closely with the community leaders, religious leaders and community members on ways to prevent the violence.

Engagement:

1. Amina Mubarak Ahmad (@aminamahmad), how has domestic violence been affected by #COVID19 pandemic? The outbreak of Covid_19 has affected I can say every sector of our today’s life, it affects domestic violence in such a manner that the victims now spent most considerable times with their abusers to some affected by total lockdown have to stay 24/7 with the abusers As such increases the likelihood of the victims being abuse daily and most frequently and forced to stay with their abusers
2. Welcome @aminamahmad, aside the effort made largely by the gov’t and CSOs in minimizing GBV. Do you think people at grass root have role to play and what could be that role? Fight against GBV is not for only the govt and the CSOs because they can’t do it alone, people at the grassroots can also play a vital role through community awareness campaigns and sensitization, supporting the victims of GBV, supporting the govt and CSOs intervention on GBV And also by providing safe and enabling environment for GBV survivors without shaming and stigmatization
3. Ma’am, What do you think are the contributors of the increased of Domestic Violence this period? The major contributor is the movement restrictions as the result of the pandemic, which forces the victims and the abusers to stay together and increases the chances of frequent abuse.
4. In recent times we have seen rise in domestic violence related cases, has #COVID19 pandemic played any role in the rise and how rampant the incidences become? It really plays a role, aside from the how the movement restrictions contribute to the increase in domestic violence, also lack of access to seek for help from the relevant authorities contribute to the increase of cases we are seeing today
5. reports from every region in Nig indicated that there are increased in Domestic Violence, how do you think this menace can be tackled & ensure justice to the victims? Yes when the necessary intervention measures are put in place which should be easily accessible, where the victims can reach out to and seek for justice despite the movement restrictions.
6. How is the pandemic likely to affect long-term progress toward ending domestic violence? What is the way out? This global pandemic affects almost I can everything, it affects also the implementation processes of already ongoing projects in bringing an end to GBV. The way out is by reviewing the strategies that will fit in with the situation wr have at hand today… Because we can’t say because of the pandemic and the way it affects may be the implementation of the strategy we have at hand we cannot do anything again.
7. do you think the Covid19 pandemic has taken us back in the fight against GBV in Nig. looking at how the numbers r increasing everyday? Yes it does, because now most of  these victims are now spending most of their times with the abusers, and most of the implementation processes for fighting GBV now are being affected by d ongoing pandemic. Because of the movement restrictions victims lack proper access 2 justice
8. Domestic violence was a global pandemic long before the COVID-19 outbreak. But pls, how have COVID-19 influenced rates of domestic violence?
9. Parents, government and people have roles to Respect, Protect and Report on GBV…How can all stakeholders play their role to prune the spread of GBV? Through community engagement in GBV prevention and response. By working closely with the community leaders, religious leaders and community members on how to prevent GBV.
10. what has been the impact on social services for domestic violence victims? Social services greatly impact the victims of domestic violence positively, through providing psychological and emotional support for the victims and also provide them with safe space where they can talk and be heard with out judgment nor justification
11. What can an individual, group or Govt do to protect those at risk of domestic violence amid the pandemic? Providing support and assistance for those at risk of domestic violence on how to protect themselves, when and how to seek for help/assistance.
12. Thank you so much @aminamahmad for being with us at this hour, the engagement is really educative and enlightening. We hope to have you some other time. Thank you so much it is my honor

Climate change is increasingly becoming a serious challenge to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development. Various manifestations of its impact are evident which include increase in drought, scarcity of food instigated by irregularities of rainfall and over flooding.

The tree planting exercise was initiated by Actionaid Nigeria in collaboration with CITAD to address the problems of climate change in the globe.

Agriculture and Food Processing Unit of Actionaid Nigeria initiated said it aim at sensitizing the public on the importance of trees in our environment and also to discourage indiscriminate falling of trees due to its attendant consequences,

The beneficiaries of the projects are communities in FCT in four Area Councils, Bwari, AMAC, Kwali and Kuje Area Council.The benefiting communities are Tungan Ashere, Passepa, Kilankwa, Jiwa Tsoho, Dakwa, Gwalada and Kayache. The beneficiaries of the tree were children with their parents as guardian. The children also gave a pet name to each tree for easy identification.

Four hundred and five (405) trees were shared among the communities; the variety of trees shared includes Oranges, Mangoes, Guava, Palm trees, SourSop and cashew trees.