FUL Declares Zero Tolerance for Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, Harassment in Higher Institutions

The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has intensified its campaign to stamp out all forms of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment within and beyond its campuses.

Speaking 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, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to enforcing a strict zero-tolerance policy.

Prof. Akinwumi disclosed that the university had recently dismissed a lecturer for sexually exploiting students, stressing that such acts would never be condoned under his leadership.

 “Federal University Lokoja recently sacked a lecturer for exploiting our students sexually. Under my watch, we will continue to clamp down on anyone no matter their status  who takes advantage of our students,” he said.

“I urge students to speak out when their rights are violated or when anyone, whether a lecturer or fellow student, tries to exploit them because of their gender.”

The Vice-Chancellor also cautioned students against attempting to harass lecturers or seek unearned academic favours.

 “Some students are also guilty of sexual harassment. Instead of focusing on their assignments and academic work, they try to score through the back door. Anyone found culpable staff or student  will be removed from our academic space,” he warned.

Delivering a paper titled “The University as a Safe Space: Addressing SEAH in Academic Spaces”, the Executive Director of Challenge Parenthood Initiative (CPI), Eunice Abimbola Agbogun, emphasised that universities should be vibrant, inclusive environments that foster academic excellence, personal growth, and a sense of community.

“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 stated.

 “Sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment whether verbal, physical, sexual, or even cyber  can have devastating consequences for mental health and wellbeing. Together, we can create a university community where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported.”

She urged universities across Nigeria to adopt proactive strategies to prevent SEAH and provide victims with safe reporting channels.

Earlier in her remarks, Professor Ofure Aito, Director of the Institute of Gender Studies at Federal University Lokoja (FUL), welcomed participants to the workshop.

Professor Aito explained that the workshop served as a follow-up to the previous year's open mic event. She emphasized that the session aimed to educate the community about Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH), while clarifying the rights and responsibilities that educators have toward their students.

The Deputy Director, Institute of Gender Studies, Federal University Lokoja Dr Aisha Abimbola while giving an overview on "A BILL FOR AN ACT TO PREVENT, PROHIBIT AND REDRESS EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND FOR MATTERS 

SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS IN TERTIARY 

CONNECTED THEREWITH, 2019" asserted that the  bill is enacted to promote and protect ethical standards in tertiary authority, dependency and trust and respect for human dignity in tertiary,  prevent sexual harassment of students by educators in tertiary 

educational institutions, by providing for: protection of students against sexual harassment by educators in tertiary educational institution.

The convener of the workshop, Prof. Ifeyinwa Okolo, Deputy Director, Gender Studies at FUL, commended the management under Prof. Akinwumi for championing the anti-harassment campaign.

Prof. Okolo explained that the workshop aimed to raise awareness among students, lecturers, and administrators about the dangers of sexual exploitation and harassment in Nigeria’s higher institutions, and to promote lasting solutions.

Attendees included representatives from civic organizations, security agencies, academic and non-academic staff, corps members, and students from both FUL and Kogi Polytechnic.