An educationist, Mr. Simon Fowowe on Sunday urged parents to introduce sex education to their children early as a vital strategy to curb sexual assaults, particularly in schools.
Fowowe, the National President of the Association of Nursery and Primary Education Instructors, shared this advice during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.
He noted that the National Sexuality Education Curriculum, introduced in Nigeria in 2002, encourages parents to begin sex education at home to complement school efforts.
“Parents play a crucial role in providing early sex education to their children. This can help prevent sexual assaults and promote healthy relationships,” Fowowe said.
“Begin discussing age-appropriate topics with your children from an early age, using moments like bath time or bedtime to teach them about body parts and personal boundaries,” he advised.
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Fowowe also emphasized the need for strict implementation of laws such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015, which he believes could significantly reduce sexual assault by ensuring the prosecution of suspects and punishment of those found guilty.
“As of 2023, only about 30 out of Nigeria’s 36 states had domesticated the VAPP Act. Full adoption would help eliminate legal loopholes across the country,” he said.
He called for the establishment of independent complaint mechanisms, especially in tertiary institutions where sexual harassment is often under-reported due to fear of victimization.
“Institutions like the University of Lagos have established Sexual Harassment Policy Committees to confidentially receive and act on reports,” he added.
Fowowe also urged the government to fund widespread sex education and awareness campaigns, particularly on consent and boundaries.
“This can help foster a culture of respect,” he said. “UNESCO supports Comprehensive Sexuality Education, CSE, which research shows reduces risky sexual behavior by 30 to 50 percent.”
He recommended tools such as hotlines, anonymous reporting apps, and CCTV cameras as deterrents and investigative aids. He cited platforms like HelpLine.ng, used in some Nigerian institutions, as examples of effective anonymous support systems.
Finally, he encouraged parents to keep communication lines open with their children.
“According to UNICEF, children who regularly discuss sensitive topics with their parents are less likely to be abused or exploited, as they are more informed and confident in reporting abuse,” he said.
“Use accurate, age-appropriate language. Always use correct anatomical terms and explain complex concepts in a way your child can understand,” he concluded.
NAN
