FUL Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment in Higher Institutions
The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has intensified its campaign to eradicate all forms of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment within and beyond its campuses.
At a one-day workshop held at the university’s Felele Campus, themed “The University as a Safe Space: Addressing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment in Academic Spaces”, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, reiterated the institution’s firm zero-tolerance stance.
Prof. Akinwumi disclosed that the university had recently dismissed a lecturer for sexually exploiting students, stressing that such misconduct would not be tolerated under his leadership.
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“Federal University Lokoja recently sacked a lecturer for exploiting our students sexually. Under my watch, we will continue to clamp down on anyone, regardless of their status, who takes advantage of our students,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor urged students to speak up when their rights are violated and cautioned against harassing lecturers or seeking unearned academic favours.
“Some students are also guilty of sexual harassment. Instead of focusing on their academic work, they attempt to score through the back door. Anyone found culpable Staff or student will be removed from our academic space,” he warned.
Delivering a paper at the workshop, the Executive Director of Challenge Parenthood Initiative (CPI), Eunice Abimbola Agbogun, stressed that universities should be inclusive, vibrant spaces that encourage academic excellence, personal growth, and community building.
“A safe space is essential for learning and thriving. We must all take responsibility for maintaining a respectful environment for students, lecturers, and staff alike,” Agbogun said.
She noted that sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment whether verbal, physical, sexual, or online can have severe impacts on mental health and wellbeing. Agbogun urged universities nationwide to adopt proactive strategies to prevent such misconduct and create safe reporting systems for victims.
The Deputy Director of the Institute of Gender Studies, FUL, Dr. Aisha Abimbola, gave an overview of the Sexual Harassment of Students in Tertiary Educational Institutions Bill, 2019. She explained that the proposed legislation seeks to protect students, uphold ethical standards, and prevent educators from exploiting positions of authority, dependency, or trust.
Earlier, the workshop convener and Deputy Director of Gender Studies at FUL, Prof. Ifeyinwa Okolo, commended the university’s management for championing the fight against sexual harassment. She explained that the programme aimed to raise awareness among students, lecturers, and administrators about the dangers of sexual exploitation and harassment in Nigeria’s higher institutions, while promoting lasting solutions.
