FIC REPORT (EDO STATE) – The Edo State Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Management Committee and the University of Benin’s Centre for Gender Studies (CGS) are planning a partnership to improve prevention, reporting and support services for people affected by gender-based violence on campus.
The proposed collaboration was discussed at a meeting at Government House in Benin City, led by Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the Edo State First Lady and chairperson of the state GBV Management Committee.
Anani said the initiative would build on existing university and state mechanisms to create a coordinated, survivor-centred approach. Priorities include prompt handling of reports, stronger confidentiality safeguards and better access to counselling, protection and justice.
She raised concern that many students appear unaware of the Centre for Gender Studies, which was established in 2004 and offers counselling and career services. Anani said the centre was not operating at full capacity and called for greater visibility and awareness of the help available.
“Awareness is key. A lot of our girls are not aware that this department exists and is there to help them,” she said.
Anani also cited stigma, concerns about confidentiality and low confidence in reporting systems as factors that may prevent people from seeking help. She said counselling should be ongoing, and that reports must lead to appropriate action and sustained support.
The proposed measures would cover the wider campus community, including undergraduate and postgraduate students, lecturers, non-academic staff, residents and traders. Anani also called for a review of the university’s Gender Policy alongside the Edo State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law to clarify responsibilities and strengthen institutional responses.
She said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo would not tolerate the intimidation or victimisation of students and would support efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Eugenia Abdallah commended the Office of the First Lady for its work supporting vulnerable groups, including women, girls, boys and persons with disabilities. She said the meeting followed a request from the university centre to establish a GBV Response Unit in partnership with the ministry and the Office of the First Lady.
Professor Jennifer Ebeigbe, director of the Centre for Gender Studies, welcomed the proposed support. She said the centre had space and a basic operational framework but needed help to function fully. She added that the Vice-Chancellor had envisaged the centre as an outreach platform working with the state government.
Ebeigbe identified limited awareness and stigma as major barriers to reporting. She also stressed the value of research and reliable data in guiding gender-mainstreaming efforts, evaluating interventions and informing policy.
Stakeholders agreed to establish a technical team to assess existing structures, review the university’s Gender Policy and prepare an action plan to revitalise the centre. The plan is expected to include awareness campaigns, improved reporting and referral pathways, stronger confidentiality protections and measures to support safety and access to justice.
By Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
CI&PRO, FIC Benin
And
Omoluogbe Ruth
ACI&PRO, DIC Benin
October 27th,, 2026
