Gender and Development Action (GADA), a non-governmental organisation, has officially launched “Campus-Square,” an initiative designed to protect students in tertiary institutions from violence and subjugation.
The initiative was unveiled by GADA during a launch event held in Calabar on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was introduced across three tertiary institutions in Cross River: the University of Calabar (UNICAL), the University of Cross River (UNICROSS), and Arthur Jarvis University (AJU) in Akpabuyo as a pilot.
According to Mr Isaac Udo, a Research Assistant at GADA, Campus-Square aimed to create a safe space where students can openly discuss issues affecting them on campus and collaborate on solutions.
“The project was inspired by a series of events at UNICAL, where students experienced subjugation but felt unable to speak out.
“We envisioned a platform where students and young people could voice their concerns—whether in person or virtually—ensuring that various forms of violence against them are addressed,” he said.
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Udo further emphasised that GADA has established mechanisms to ensure that reported issues are escalated to appropriate authorities, leveraging partnerships with activists and humanitarian organisations.
In his remarks, Mr Philip Obin, Special Adviser to the Governor of Cross River on Digital Economy, urged students to stand up for their rights, including gender equity and the protection of their privileges.
He also encouraged them to acquire essential skills, noting that the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund was created to provide financial support for youth-driven businesses through loans, grants, or equity.
Expressing her support for the initiative, Miss Favour Somtochi, a Public Health student at UNICAL, shared her personal experience with Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and her desire to become an advocate against such issues.
Similarly, Mr Michael Ndifon, an Accounting student at Arthur Jarvis University, expressed enthusiasm about the potential for change and committed to encouraging his peers to join the fight against student subjugation through Campus-Square. (NAN)