By: Bashir Hassan Abubakar
The Bauchi State Ministry of Justice and the Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic (ATAPOL) have jointly unveiled a new billboard to intensify awareness on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) within the institution.
Erected at a strategic, high-visibility location on campus and boldly inscribed with the message “Say No to GBV: Your Body, Your Dignity, Your Right,” the billboard is designed to constantly engage students and staff.
The initiative, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is part of broader stakeholder efforts to promote prevention and collective action against GBV across Bauchi State.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, UNFPA State Programme Officer, Deborah Tabara, emphasized the need for sustained sensitization among young people to change harmful attitudes.
She conveyed the support of UNFPA Resident Representative, Muriel Mafiko, and noted that the organization will continue to work with the polytechnic to build the capacity of lecturers and staff toward zero tolerance for GBV.
Tabara said the billboard will serve as a daily reminder that everyone has a right to dignity, safety and freedom from violence.
Commending the initiative, the polytechnic’s Director of Ethics and Compliance, Dr. Ali Waziri, said its physical presence will help prevent and reduce GBV cases on campus, while the Director of Public Prosecution at the State Ministry of Justice, Garba Dabo Maleka, expressed hope that it will encourage students to speak up and report abuses.
The Dean of Student Affairs added that the collaboration shows the fight against GBV extends beyond the institution and underscores the state government’s commitment to ending it, reinforcing the push for safer learning environments in educational institutions.
