UNICAL Deploys “Tokam” Against GBV

By Ekanem Asuquo 

The University of Calabar has taken a significant step in addressing gender based violence with the deployment of a digital reporting platform designed to support victims and improve institutional response.

A Senior Lecturer in the Department of Public Health, University of Calabar, Dr. Glory Egom Nja, unveiled the “Tokam” App at the College of Medical Sciences Conference Hall as part of efforts to strengthen reporting systems and enhance the capacity of gender based violence care providers in Calabar metropolis.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Nja described the application as a research driven tool that guarantees anonymity, improves access to care, and strengthens coordinated multi sector responses, particularly within academic environments.

She noted that the initiative was developed to address the persistent challenge of underreporting, which continues to hinder efforts to combat sexual and gender based violence. According to her, the platform positions the university as a leader in leveraging technology, research, and collaboration to tackle school related gender based violence.

Dr. Nja explained that the project, supported by Women and Health Together for the Future, also involved targeted interventions including capacity building for care providers and awareness programmes for students across higher institutions in Calabar.

She added that activities leading to the launch included the Calabar Inter Campus GBV Summit, which featured a media panel, a two day training for healthcare providers and GBV personnel, an inter campus rally involving five tertiary institutions, and a student sensitization workshop.

Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Linkages and Collaborations, Prof. Anthony Eneji, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful.

He said the application would strengthen reporting systems, empower survivors, and improve institutional response, contributing to safer campuses and better access to care.

The Vice Chancellor further described gender based violence as a complex issue with social, psychological, mental, and clinical implications, calling for a multidisciplinary approach involving professionals across health, legal, and social sectors.

Also speaking, the Provost of the College of Medical Sciences, Prof. Ngim Ngim, represented by Prof. Sunday Bisong, emphasized the need for continuous training and awareness to curb sexual harassment and other forms of abuse within the university system.

Executive Director of the Centre for Gender Development, Prof. Roseline Duke, urged staff and students to utilize the application, stressing the role of universities in shaping social values and ensuring accountability for perpetrators.

The Director of Health Services, Dr. Kaiser Etta, noted that the platform would give survivors the confidence to speak up, adding that the trauma associated with gender based violence is often severe and long lasting.

Delivering the keynote address, former Nigerian Ambassador, Nkoyo Toyo, called for the integration of gender considerations into university systems beyond digital tools, stressing that sexual harassment is a systemic issue requiring comprehensive solutions.

In a goodwill message, the Cross River State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Community Development, Archbishop Prof. Margaret Ene Ita, described gender based violence in schools as a developmental challenge that undermines education and future prospects, pledging collaboration to protect victims.

Similarly, the Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua, represented by ASP Edim Obazi, said the application would improve reporting, which has remained a major challenge for law enforcement agencies.

The event featured presentations by mental health experts, sociologists, legal practitioners, and gender advocates, as well as a drama performance highlighting the realities of gender based violence.

Stakeholders expressed optimism that the “Tokam” App would significantly enhance reporting and response mechanisms within tertiary institutions and beyond.