The University of Lagos management has addressed the public regarding the controversial sexual harassment advisory for female students following widespread criticism, stressing that the publication does not reflect the institution's values and reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment.
Following public outrage over a banner produced by the Student Affairs Division that advised female students on ways to avoid sexual harassment and rape, the banner listed precautionary measures including “Do not shake hands anyhow with any man,” “Do not dress to kill,” and “Do not mingle carelessly with men.” Critics, however, said the institution was focusing on potential victims instead of addressing perpetrators.
According to a _Punch_ report, “The university made this known in a statement issued on Monday by the Head of its Communications Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem.”
“The Management of the University of Lagos is aware of recent public concerns, commentary, and outrage following the circulation on social media of an image showing a publication on sexual harassment.
“We acknowledge that the publication was originally produced by the University’s Student Affairs Division. However, it has been withdrawn, as its content does not reflect the values, position, or standards of the University of Lagos,” the statement read.
The institution said it does not condone rape, sexual harassment, or any form of victim-blaming.
“The University of Lagos wishes to state unequivocally, and for the record, that we do not tolerate rape or sexual harassment in any form, nor do we validate, engage in, or support victim-blaming or shaming.
“Placing the responsibility on victims or suggesting that individuals are to blame for being subjected to harassment is entirely unacceptable and contrary to the core values of our institution,” the university stated.
It described sexual harassment as serious misconduct that should never be trivialised.
“Sexual harassment is a serious misconduct that has no place in our community and must never be trivialised. We also recognise that sexual harassment is not gender-specific and can affect anyone, either male or female.
“We, therefore, encourage any student who has experienced or witnessed sexual harassment to utilise the University’s official, confidential reporting structures to ensure immediate investigation and support,” the statement added.
The university reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment.
“UNILAG remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, equitable, and inclusive environment in which all members of its community can learn, work, and thrive,” the statement concluded.
In an informal chat with students on the UNILAG campus, many female students said men do not have the right to sexually assault ladies because of the way they dress.
Speaking with Miss Temitope Adams, a UNILAG student, she condemned the inscription by the management. “Anyone can dress the way they like,” she said, citing that Nigeria’s constitution is full of rights. When our correspondent asked Adams if walking naked was supported by the constitution or by religion, she kept mute.
Dare Ajayi, a male UNILAG students told our correspondent that many of the girls who dress provocatively are from poor families, and that some are only looking for a way to belong or to sell their bodies for money.
He stressed that most of them would not dress that way at home in the presence of their parents. Ajayi in his statement said "This is school environment, everyone has come to learn character." Ajayi urged the school management to stand firm and restate the institution's standard, and to return to the old practice of turning back any students dressed provocatively at the gate, car park, and hostel entrances by the porters.