Stakeholders Chart New Ways To Curb Human Trafficking

The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof. Paulinus Okwelle, has asserted that proper education of student teachers in human trafficking can help curb the menace, saying they will surely become the frontline of defense, shaping the minds of schoolboys and schoolgirls to understand their rights and recognize the signs of trafficking.
Prof. Okwelle, who was represented by the Director Education Services and International Partnerships NCCE, Mr. Razak Badmus, stated this at a three-day Workshop on Training of Teacher Trainers (TOT) in Colleges of Education on School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP) in Benin City, Edo State.
He said, these are the reasons for the National Commission for Colleges of Education joining hands with the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and NAPTIP in ensuring that the idea of trafficking in persons is now part of the NCE curriculum.
Prof. Okwelle said, they are believing that when teacher trainees are adequately exposed and enlightened on the dangers which human trafficking portends, not only will the campaign seamlessly extend to the grassroots and to children at the basic education level in particular.
“Through education, the cycles of vulnerability and exploitation are altered and nipped in the bud, hence, the noble idea of integrating the concept into the NCE Minimum Standards as a way of producing a generation of teachers equipped not only to teach but also to advocate, protect, and enlighten growing children in schools.
“It is our conviction at the NCCE that, if student teachers of today in colleges of education receive quality training on human trafficking, tomorrow, they will surely become the frontline line of defense.
“Shaping minds of schoolboys and schoolgirls to understand their rights, recognize the signs of trafficking, and most importantly, have the courage to speak up against it.
“What this implies is that with the training, you will become ambassadors of anti-trafficking, who in your respective communities and institutions will champion the principles of dignity, freedom, and respect for every human life.
“It is our conviction that, with this effort, we will achieve in building a nation where trafficking in persons has no place, where each child and adult is aware, protected, enlightened and empowered.
“But this dream and vision might become a forlorn hope and mirage unless you share this experience with your other colleagues in your respective colleges by cascading the training,” he added.
The Regional Head International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Dr. Mojisola Sodeinde represented by the Project Manager ICMPD, Regional Office, Mrs. Rhoda Dia-Johnson, said human trafficking is a crisis that preys on the vulnerable—men, women, and children through forced labor, sexual exploitation, and various forms of abuses.
She said, “In Nigeria, victims are often enticed by false promises of a better life, only to find themselves trapped in dire situations.“
Mrs. Dia-Johnson said, it is vital to recognize that victims of human trafficking come from all walks of life, including women and children, as they are not limited to the illiterate or uneducated, that many are driven by ignorance or desperation.
“To launch the curriculum, ICMPD supported the training of 500 teacher-trainers across all the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, equipping potential teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to combat human trafficking.
“This workshop aims to provide participants with further training in strategies to effectively address trafficking in person issues, thereby helping to reduce human trafficking in our nation,” she posited.
Also, the NAPTIP Director General, Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello represented by NAPTIP’s Director of Intelligence in Research Programme Development, Mr Josiah Emerole, said the workshop was more than a training session, but an opportunity to equip them with knowledge, tools and strategies to fight trafficking at the grassroots.
He said their role as trainers is important in disseminating knowledge and shaping the next generation of anti-trafficking advocates.
Two of the teachers spoke on their takeaways from the workshop: Mrs. Oboniye Juliana, from Edo State College of Education and Dr. Fred Omonuwa, from Federal College of Education (Technical) Ekiadolor Benin City.
Dr. Omonuwa said, “This workshop is very timely. There is no other time than this era we are when the Japa syndrome is everywhere in Nigeria right now. Because of that Japa syndrome and the economic situation our people have been deceived into illegal migration and human trafficking. The lectures delivered here can help the society to prevent our youths, and other people involved in human trafficking.
“We will be able to educate the youths and train the teachers and the teachers will pass it on to the students through the school management committee that is being found between the school environment to educate the students and parents on how to prevent our children from being deceived to going abroad for greener pastures,” he stressed.