The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has withdrawn a controversial advisory on preventing sexual harassment after it sparked widespread condemnation for what critics described as an attempt to place responsibility for sexual violence on women.
The institution announced the decision in a statement released on Monday by the Head of the Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, clarifying that the contents of the advisory did not represent the university's official policy or values.
The advisory, displayed on a roll-up banner by the Student Affairs Division, contained a list of behavioural guidelines for female students aimed at preventing sexual harassment and rape. Among other suggestions, it advised women not to "shake hands anyhow with any man", "dress to kill", or "mingle carelessly with men."
The publication quickly went viral on social media, drawing criticism from rights advocates, students and members of the public who argued that the recommendations shifted attention away from perpetrators of sexual violence and unfairly placed the burden of prevention on potential victims.
In its response, the university acknowledged the controversy and confirmed that the material had been removed.
"The Management of the University of Lagos is aware of the public concerns and reactions arising from the circulation of an image showing a publication on sexual harassment," the statement said.
"It was produced by the University's Student Affairs Division. However, it has been withdrawn because its contents do not reflect the values, position or standards of the University of Lagos."
UNILAG stressed that it remains firmly opposed to all forms of sexual abuse and rejected any suggestion that victims should be blamed for crimes committed against them.
The university said it has a zero-tolerance policy towards rape and sexual harassment, adding that any message implying victims are responsible for being harassed is inconsistent with its principles.
"We do not tolerate rape or sexual harassment in any form, nor do we validate, engage in or support victim-blaming or shaming. Placing responsibility on victims or suggesting they are at fault for acts of harassment is completely unacceptable and contrary to the core values of our institution," the statement added.
The incident has reignited conversations about how educational institutions communicate sexual violence prevention, with many stakeholders urging universities to prioritise measures that deter offenders, strengthen reporting mechanisms and provide greater support for survivors rather than focusing on restrictions on women's behaviour.
Leave a Reply