UNILAG withdraws controversial sexual harassment advisory after backlash

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The University of Lagos has withdrawn a controversial sexual harassment advisory issued by its Student Affairs Division following public outrage over its contents, which critics said placed the responsibility of preventing sexual harassment on women.

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The university, in a statement issued by the Head of its Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, on Monday acknowledged that the advisory was produced by the Student Affairs Division but said it had been withdrawn because its contents did not represent the values, position, or standards of the institution.

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The controversy began after a roll-up banner titled “Counselling Tips for Ladies to Avoid Sexual Harassment/Rape” was circulated online.

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The advisory, issued by the Student Affairs Division, contained several messages directed at female students, including “Do not dress to kill,” “Your dress is your address,” “Do not shake hands anyhow with any man,” and “Do not mingle carelessly with men.”

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Other messages advised students not to stay alone with a man in a hidden place, accept frequent gifts from men, seek unnecessary favours from men, watch pornographic films or pictures, or accept intoxicants.

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The banner also urged women to be vigilant when served drinks and to “learn to say no.”

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The advisory triggered widespread criticism, with many questioning why the burden of preventing sexual harassment appeared to be placed on potential victims rather than perpetrators.

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Following the outrage, the university acknowledged that placing the responsibility on victims or suggesting that individuals are to blame for being subjected to harassment was “entirely unacceptable and contrary to the core values of our institution.”

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The statement read in part, “The University of Lagos wishes to state unequivocally, and for the record, that we do not tolerate rape or sexual harassment in any form, nor do we validate, engage in, or support victim-blaming or shaming.

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“Sexual harassment is a serious misconduct that has no place in our community and must never be trivialised. We also recognise that sexual harassment is not gender-specific and can affect anyone. We, therefore, encourage any student who has experienced or witnessed sexual harassment to utilise the University’s official, confidential reporting structures to ensure immediate investigation and support.

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“The University of Lagos remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, equitable, and inclusive environment in which all members of its community can learn, work, and thrive. “

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