By Tony Adibe
The School Anti-Trafficking Education and Advocacy Project (STEAP), International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have launched a Training of Teachers (ToT) as a way of fighting against the menace of human trafficking in Nigeria.
This development came as the bodies jointly called for the proper integration of human trafficking education into Nigeria’s academic curriculum to ensure that the youths and teenagers understand the evil and life-threatening dangers inherent in trafficking in persons.
NewsBitsng.com reports that the STEAP initiative was targeted at equipping teacher-trainers with the knowledge and resources to empower the next generation against exploitation, and also enlighten them on how to respond to trafficking risk. They made the call on Wednesday, in Enugu, during the Training of Trainers (ToT) 3-day workshop, which commenced from November 5th to 9th, 2024.
According to ICMPD’s Head of Region for West Africa, Dr. Mojisola Sodeinde , who highlighted the crisis of trafficking across Nigeria and West Africa in her speech, the training “brings together 150 teacher-trainers” from Colleges of Education in Benue, Delta, Edo, Enugu, and Ogun states.
Dr. Sodeinde was optimistic of the positive impact of the program, stressing that with continued collaboration between educators, government, and communities, Nigeria’s schools could become a frontline defense against human trafficking. She stated: “Through these trainings, we are empowering educators to not only teach but to transform their communities and build a generation that is resilient against the threats of human trafficking.”
Represented on the occasion by the Project Manager of STEAP, Rhoda Dia-Johnson, Sodeinde explained that human trafficking in Nigeria “often preys upon vulnerable youth who are lured” by false promises of opportunity. She added: “This workshop is more than just training; it is an opportunity to create a network of advocates ready to support victims, disrupt trafficking networks, and foster safer communities.”
The workshop builds upon efforts initiated in 2019, when Trafficking in Persons, (Tip) concepts were incorporated into the National Certificate in Education, (NCE) Minimum Standards by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), in partnership with ICMPD and NAPTIP.
NewsBitsng.com reports that since then, over 500 teacher-trainers across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones have received training, laying the groundwork for a nationwide educational defense against trafficking. Also, in his remarks, the NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, explained that adding human trafficking awareness to the academic curriculum could significantly educate the public on the risks associated with trafficking and discourage individuals from embarking on perilous journeys.
She noted that educating young people would foster better understanding and early awareness of the dangers of human trafficking. Represented by Prof. Josiah Emerole, NAPTIP’s Director of Intelligence, Research, and Programme Development, Bello pinpointed ongoing efforts by the agency to combat human trafficking across Nigeria.
She underscored NAPTIP’s commitment to curbing this societal menace through education and strategic interventions. However, in his contributions, the Executive Secretary of the NCCE, Prof. Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle emphasised the essential role of educators in curbing trafficking risks among youth, and advised teachers to serve as proactive advocates.
He said: “By educating our pre-service teachers, we build a sustainable model that addresses trafficking at its roots.” He encouraged participants to harness their roles as educators to foster awareness and advocacy, potentially creating a “ripple effect that will reach far beyond the classroom.”
Represented by an Assistant Director, Dr. A.S. Quo Okon Mkpa, Okwelle stressed that it has became necessary for the concept of TIP issues to be mainstreamed into the 2020 Edition of the NCE Minimum Standards, particularly GSE 214. The NCCE Executive Secretary said: “Let me remind you that as teacher educators, your pivotal role in shaping the minds of future generations is importance.
“This workshop centres on you because of the recognition of the profound ability you possessed to impact and empower pre-service teachers to become informed advocates against human trafficking. “Your commitment to this cause will not only reflect your dedication to a better education but also your desire to create a safer society for human existence.”
Key stakeholders, including representatives from the Government of the Netherlands, who fund the STEAP project, and state education officials, attended the event, underscoring a shared commitment to addressing trafficking through policy, awareness, and education.
Through the engaging sessions led by trafficking experts, participants will gain practical tools to integrate anti-trafficking education into their curricula, equipping future teachers to become advocates against human trafficking within their classrooms and communities.
