The Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, LASUSTECH, Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya, has expressed grave concern over the rising cases of sexual harassment within the university community.
Speaking at the monthly Executive Management Meeting, EMM, with the University’s Labour leaders at the Council Chamber, Ikorodu Campus, Prof. Odusanya in a paper titled “Preventing Sexual Violence”, gave insight into the menace.
According to him, “Various studies in Nigeria show that almost half of University students had experienced sexual violence. Sexual harassment is a scourge that must be eradicated from our campus.
LASUSTECH has zero tolerance for sexual harassment in any form. We will not condone any behavior that compromises the safety and well-being of our students and staff.”
Prof. Odusanya cited the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2021, Section 264, which addresses unwelcome situations that affect academic and employment performance.
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He defined “sexual harassment as including physical, verbal, non-verbal conduct, stalking, and rape. The common forms of sexual harassment include insensitive sexual jokes, brushing of body parts in an unwelcome manner, and persistent demands for sex by lecturers/students.”
While blaming the causes of sexual harassment on campus to various factors, and highlighting the need for collective action to prevent it, Prof Odusanya informed that “the harms of sexual harassment are numerous, including fear, mental health issues, shame, guilt, and STI/HIV. LASUSTECH is committed to creating a safe and conducive environment for all stakeholders.
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The university’s policy statement on sexual harassment includes continuous sensitization of the university community, zero tolerance for sexual harassment, prompt and confidential investigation of complaints, administrative action, sanction, and remedy as well as encouragement of high ethical standards.”
He assured that “a complaint process is being established and urged all stakeholders to prevent, report, and abstain from sexual harassment. Let us work together to create a culture of respect and dignity.”
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