I was on my way to my classroom when Mr Gbenga called me – NYSC member fights for 13 victims of sexual abuse

 

I was on my way to my classroom when Mr Gbenga called me - NYSC member fights for 13 victims of sexual abuse

As reported by Vanguard, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) participant has exposed a troubling case of alleged sexual misconduct affecting multiple female students at a secondary school in Lagos. Choosing to remain unnamed for personal protection, the corps member stepped forward after one of the girls disclosed that a male teacher had acted inappropriately toward her. The student alleged the teacher physically pushed her and lifted her skirt during a class session. Subsequent conversations with other students revealed similar disturbing experiences involving the same educator.

“I couldn’t stay silent after hearing what she said,” the corps member explained. “The girl told me, ‘Aunty, he pushed me and raised my skirt while others were watching.’ After that, other girls started opening up, and it became clear this wasn’t an isolated case.” Deeply unsettled by the stories, she documented each complaint and formally reported the issue to both the school’s leadership and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).

In a statement, the DSVA confirmed that the report had been received and that a thorough investigation was already underway. Executive Secretary Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi praised the NYSC member’s bravery and decisive action. “Her willingness to act on behalf of the affected students is commendable,” she stated. “Sexual exploitation within educational settings is intolerable, and we are fully committed to ensuring a transparent investigation and justice in accordance with the law.”

Following the allegations, the implicated teacher has been temporarily removed from his role as inquiries proceed. A member of the school administration, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that the school is fully cooperating with the agency. “We’ve taken immediate steps, including reviewing our internal policies on student safety. Our students’ welfare is of utmost importance,” the staff member affirmed.

This development has renewed public discourse on the need for more robust safeguarding policies in schools across Nigeria. Advocacy organizations are pushing for comprehensive training programs for educators, improved mechanisms for reporting abuse, and psychological support services for affected students. “The goal isn’t only to hold abusers accountable—it’s to create an environment where students feel empowered to speak out,” said children’s rights activist Bukola Adebayo. “Without the intervention of this corps member, these young voices may never have been acknowledged.”

Hear her speak: “I was on my way to my class room when Mr Gbenga called me, he called out to me said testimony, when I looked back he hugged me. I felt somehow and I said to myself why will a teacher hug me? Immediately I offered a handshake and I said Sir gudmorning. The he told me to please take his bag to the ICT lab, then I said Ok, hearing the rumour that he usually molest students, I then gave my friend a sign to follow us. He then unlocked the ICT laboratory and said go in, when I got on, I turned back and could find my friend and I said where did she went to again. So later on she told me Mr Gbenga sent her back.