***Restates zero-tolerance for sexual harassment
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has vowed to sustain its crackdown on randy lecturers as part of ongoing efforts to eradicate sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment within the institution.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi gave the assurance at a one-day workshop themed “The University as a Safe Space: Addressing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment in Academic Spaces” held at the university’s Felele Campus.
He recalled that the university recently dismissed a lecturer for sexually exploiting students and warned that, under his watch, anyone—staff or student—found guilty of such acts would be removed.
“Some students are also guilty of harassment, attempting to score through the back door instead of focusing on their studies,” he said, urging students to speak up when their rights are violated.
Executive Director of Challenge Parenthood Initiative (CPI), Ms Eunice Abimbola Agbogun, in her presentation, stressed that sexual misconduct—whether verbal, physical, or online—can severely affect victims’ mental health and wellbeing. She urged universities to adopt proactive preventive strategies and create safe reporting channels.
Deputy Director, Institute of Gender Studies, Dr Aisha Abimbola, gave an overview of the Sexual Harassment of Students in Tertiary Educational Institutions Bill, 2019, noting that it seeks to protect students, uphold ethics, and prevent abuse of authority.
Workshop convener, Prof. Ifeyinwa Okolo, commended the university management for its leadership in combating sexual harassment in tertiary institutions.
