The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has stated that addressing the issue of “sex for marks” in schools is a laudable step towards positive change in society.
Mr. Arasu Jambukeswaran, Director of the UNFPA Cross River Office, made this remark during a high school debate competition organized by Gender Action and Development (GADA).
The debate, which was part of the programme under the Spotlight initiative for 2023, centred on the topic, “Is the blame for ‘Sex for Marks’ Scandals Primarily on Lecturers or Students?”
Jambukeswaran said the debate was organised as part of ongoing efforts to address issues related to gender-based violence (GBV) and promote gender equality within educational institutions through the Spotlight Initiative.
According to him, “the ‘Sex for Marks’ scandal is a sensitive subject, and addressing it head-on through open discourse is a commendable step towards awareness and change.
“This debate competition serves as a powerful platform for the exchange of ideas, critical thinking, and open discourse on a crucial and sensitive issue within our educational institutions.
“It reflects our collective commitment to address and eradicate gender-based violence and promote a safe and equitable learning environment for all,” he said.
He commended the participants for their courage in lending their voices to the dialogue, adding that their willingness to engage in the debate showcases their intellectual commitment to driving positive change in the nation’s educational institutions.
On her part, Miss Tolani Adebayo, Spotlight Initiative Coordinator for GADA, said the programme aimed to create awareness among students in secondary schools and help them improve their public speaking skills.
“The topic is very important now, considering what is happening in tertiary institutions in Calabar.
“If we get these students to understand what ‘sex for marks’ is early and its consequences, they will be able to protect themselves when they get to higher institutions,” she maintained.
She added that they focused on children in secondary schools because, at that stage, they could hardly speak for themselves and needed to be enlightened on what to do in any case of GBV.
Prosper Okemure, a student of the West African People’s Institute (WAPI) and one of the debaters, stated that the event had given them the opportunity to voice their views on the topic.
Okemure, who won the award for the best debater, said GBV does not only happen in schools but also in compounds, families, and even within religious organisations.
He said he was going home with the knowledge of speaking out against any issue of GBV in his environment.
The schools involved in the debate were Government Secondary School, Henshaw Town, Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), and West African People’s Institute (WAPI), all of which have safe spaces established through the spotlight initiative.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Mohbad’s procession: Why we fired tear gas at Lekki Tollgate — Lagos Police
Lagos Police Command has revealed reason for firing canisters at some residents at Lekki Tollgate who stormed…
FCTA revokes Peter Obi, 164 others’ lands
High-profile individuals, including the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and former…
Why eating two bitter kolanuts daily is beneficial for men — Study
Researchers, in a new study, said bitter kola because of its kolaviron content can protect against…
10 big lies told by Tinubu-led administration — Atiku’s Spokesman, Shaibu
Following claims made by the presidency in recent times that were later found to be inaccurate, Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant on…
#BBNaijaAllStars: I got betrayed by my team, they sold my votes — Whitemoney
Whitemoney, a former BBNaija ‘All Stars’ housemate, has shared insights into the challenges he faced during…
Why Tinubu must sack his US lawyer
When Chief Obafemi Awolowo died in 1987, amid a deluge of musical tributes in his honour, a line among…
and then