By Elizabeth Osayande The University of Lagos, UNILAG, has withdrawn a controversial counselling publication by its Student Affairs Division and reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment and victim-blaming. The withdrawal followed public outrage after an image of the publication circulated widely on social media on Monday. Recall that there had been reports of sexual harassment in the school, with a recent event in April of a 20-year-old undergraduate of the University of Lagos, who narrated before a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja how a 53-year-old lecturer, Samuel Ojogbo, allegedly assaulted her in his office at the institution’s Akoka campus.
The student, who testified as the first prosecution witness before Justice Oyindamola Ogala, gave a detailed account of the alleged incident while being led in evidence-in-chief by the prosecution counsel, A. Meanwhile, the controversial post titled “COUNSELLING TIPS FOR LADIES: TO AVOID SEXUAL HARASSMENT/RAPE” listed several “DO NOT” instructions including: “dress to kill”, “shake hands anyhow with any man”, “mingle carelessly with men”, “stay alone with a man in a hidden place”, “accept gifts frequently from men”, “seek unnecessary favour from men”, “watch pornographic film/pictures”, and “accept intoxicants”. It concluded with “… Give-in to pressure – be assertive.
Learn to say no.” and was signed off with “UNIVERSITY of LAGOS SPEAK With Your COUNSELLOR”. The post drew criticism online, with many accusing the university of promoting victim-blaming and shifting responsibility for sexual harassment to female students. UNILAG Responds In an official statement signed by Head, Communication Unit, Adejoke R.
Alaga-Ibraheem, UNILAG Management said it was aware of the concerns and had withdrawn the publication. “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 However, it has been withdrawn, as its content does not reflect the values, position, or standards of the University of Lagos,” the statement read.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 university stated unequivocally that it “does 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for being subjected to harassment is entirely unacceptable and contrary to th… The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has withdrawn a controversial sexual harassment advisory poster following widespread criticism on social media, reaffirming its commitment to combating sexual harassment while rejecting all forms of victim-blaming. The poster, produced by the University’s Student Affairs Division, came under fire after it advised female students against actions such as shaking hands with men; accepting gifts from men; staying alone with a man in a secluded place, and watching pornographic content.
Critics argued that the publication appeared to place the burden of preventing sexual harassment on women rather than addressing the conduct of perpetrators. In a statement issued by the University’s management on Monday, the institution acknowledged the concerns raised by members of the public and confirmed that the publication had been withdrawn. “The Management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) is aware of recent public concerns, commentary, and outrage following the circulation on social media of an image showing a publication on sexual harassment,” the statement read.
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