Plateau warns school administrators against rights violations

The Plateau State Government has vowed that human rights violations will not be tolerated in schools across the state. Thus, it charged administrators, teachers, and counselors to actively protect students through the establishment of Human Rights Clubs.

Making the  declaration  in Jos on Thursday at a programme organised  for school administrators, principals, teachers, and counselors in collaboration with Shift Initiative, the National Human Rights Commission, and the Ministry of Education, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Gender and Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, Olivia Dazyam, also directed schools across the state to comply with the initiative which she explained was a direct response to rising cases of abuse in school environments.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this important engagement on the establishment of human rights clubs in schools.

 “Your presence here demonstrates your commitment to shaping a generation of young people who understand, respect, and uphold human rights, dignity, equality, and justice,” Dazyam said.

She explained further that in 2025 the Commission, alongside Shift Initiative, the Ministry of Education, and the National Human Rights Commission, agreed to “move forward in order to fight human rights violations in Plateau State.”

According to her, “the partners concluded that the fight must begin in schools.

“The target is to encourage schools to set up human rights clubs,” she said.

“We are also happy and grateful to our partners for developing the human rights toolkits… designed to serve as a practical resource for schools, providing clear guidelines on the formation, management, activities and sustainability of the human rights clubs.”

Dayzyam noted that schools across the 17 LGAs participated in last year’s rollout and received toolkits.

“This year’s engagement seeks to move beyond the development of the toolkit by engaging principals, civic education teachers, guidance counselors, who will champion the implementation process in their respective schools,” she pointed out.

The S.A to the governor described Human Rights Clubs as “school-based platforms that will provide students with the opportunities to learn about human rights, child protection, gender equality, responsibilities, leadership, conflict resolution, and active citizenship.”

Citing disturbing cases, she said: “I recall… where in one of the schools, three boys took a girl behind the school, and they attempted to rape the girl. You know, the sad part for us was that the school administration possibly got to know, but it would appear that no action was taken… This is our collective shame, our collective shame, very, very embarrassing.”

She also referenced a case involving a male teacher who “tried to… integrate a male student and… tried to extract sperm from the boy.” Dazyam added: “When such information suddenly pop up, then you are like, are there school administrators, are there teachers? What is happening?

“We need to sensitise the environment that a human rights violation cannot be tolerated in Plateau,” she stressed, adding, “Because the culture of silence that usually would permit our environment… no, it won’t happen again, because the human rights club is also going to start as a watchdog in the environment.”

Dazyam said the clubs will teach students to speak up: “Let no one tell you your human right can not be protected. Do open your mouth in the event of a violation… Say something.

“Distinguished principals, teachers, guidance counselors, this initiative can not succeed without your commitment and leadership,” Dazyam observed.

“Today, we are not merely discussing the formation of the clubs, we are investing in the future of the state. Every child we empower today becomes a voice for justice, peace, equality, and humanity tomorrow.”

Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Mrs. Kachollom Gang, the Director of School Services, Mrs. Keithleen Rahab Davou, said the Ministry is fully aligned with the initiative and will enforce implementation across schools.

“The Ministry of Education will work with the Commission to integrate human rights education into school activities and ensure principals implement the clubs,” Davou stated.

“We cannot afford to have renovated schools without students because parents are withdrawing them due to fear. Protecting our children is protecting the future of Plateau.”

She insisted that school supervision teams must monitor compliance, maintaining,  “Monitoring teams will visit schools, and schools showing commitment will be recognised and awarded. We must make our schools safe for learning.”

The Assistant Director at the National Human Rights Commission, Mrs. Luri Kwasu Yawa, decried the growing disregard for human dignity and urged urgent action starting with children.

“What are we leaving for this generation? There is general disregard for human rights not only in schools but in the society,” Yawa said.

“We must engage and guide the children. If we teach them their rights and responsibilities now, we build a society that respects law, dignity, and each other.”

She assured that the NHRC will support schools with technical guidance and will act on reports of violations. “The Commission will not watch while the rights of children are trampled. The Human Rights Clubs will serve as early warning and accountability structures.”

Representing Shift Initiative, Daniel Bassey said the toolkit developed with partners was built for practical use by teachers and students.

“This toolkit is not for the shelf,” Bassey said. “It gives step-by-step guidance on how to run clubs, handle cases, and create safe spaces.  Shift Initiative is committed to supporting schools until these clubs become part of the school culture in Plateau.”

He noted that beyond awareness, the clubs will promote leadership, peer support, and conflict resolution. “When students understand rights, they protect each other. That’s how we reduce bullying, gender-based violence, and exploitation.”

Meanwhile, the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission also vowed that it remains committed to partnering with schools, communities, government institutions, and development partners “to promote the life welfare of every child.” It insisted, “Let us work together to raise a generation that understands that human rights are not privileges for a few but entitlements for all,” Dazyam concluded.