By Pwanagba Agabus, Jos
The Plateau State Government has declared zero tolerance for human rights violations in schools across the state, charging administrators, teachers, and counsellors to actively protect students through the establishment of Human Rights Clubs.
The declaration was made in Jos during a programme organised for school administrators, principals, teachers, and counsellors in collaboration with Shift Initiative, the National Human Rights Commission, and the Plateau State Ministry of Education.
Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, Olivia Dazyam, said the initiative was a direct response to rising cases of abuse in school environments and directed schools across the state to embrace the programme.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this important engagement on the establishment of Human Rights Clubs in schools,” Dazyam said.
“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 explained that in 2025, the commission, alongside Shift Initiative, the Ministry of Education, and the National Human Rights Commission, resolved to intensify efforts to combat human rights violations in the state.
According to her, the partners agreed that the campaign against abuse must begin in schools.
“The target is to encourage schools to set up Human Rights Clubs,” she said.
She also commended the partners for developing human rights toolkits designed to serve as practical resources for schools.
“We are happy and grateful to our partners for developing the human rights toolkits designed to serve as practical resources for schools, providing clear guidelines on the formation, management, activities, and sustainability of the Human Rights Clubs,” she added.
Dazyam noted that schools across the 17 local government areas of the state participated in last year’s rollout and received the toolkits.
She said this year’s engagement aims to move beyond toolkit development by directly engaging principals, civic education teachers, and guidance counsellors who will champion implementation in their respective schools.
She described Human Rights Clubs as school-based platforms that would provide students with opportunities to learn about human rights, child protection, gender equality, civic responsibility, leadership, conflict resolution, and active citizenship.
According to her, the initiative is expected to foster safer school environments while equipping students with the knowledge and values needed to promote justice, equality, and respect for human dignity.
