‘Do not shake hands…,’ UNILAG warns female students in anti-rape advisories

The University of Lagos has officially withdrawn a controversial anti-rape advisory that warned female students to avoid shaking hands with men, dressing provocatively, and mingling with male colleagues, following intense public backlash. The directive, initially posted on a roll-up banner inside the university, sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with critics accusing the institution of blaming victims rather than addressing the root causes of sexual harassment. In response, the university issued a statement affirming its zero-tolerance stance toward sexual violence and clarifying that the advisory did not represent institutional values. The advisory, created by the Student Affairs Division, included a list of “do not” instructions such as “Do not shake hands anyhow with any man,” “Do not dress to kill,” and “Do not mingle carelessly with men.” These guidelines were intended to help female students prevent sexual harassment and rape. However, they were widely interpreted as placing undue responsibility on women to avoid harm, rather than holding perpetrators accountable. Social media users expressed outrage, arguing that such messaging could perpetuate harmful stereotypes and shift focus away from systemic issues of gender-based violence. The controversy resurfaced amid ongoing discussions about sexual safety on Nigerian campuses. Recent reports highlighted multiple instances of sexual assault at the university. In April, a 20-year-old female student testified in court that she was allegedly raped by a lecturer, Dr. Samuel Ojogbo, during an examination session at the university’s Akoka campus. She described the incident occurring in the lecturer’s private office, where she was allegedly pressured into a compromising situation. The case is still under judicial review. Similarly, in 2019, five students from the university were charged with the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old student, though the outcome of that case remains unclear. The university’s communication unit, led by Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, confirmed that the advisory had been removed. In a statement, the administration acknowledged the public concern and clarified that the document was not aligned with the university’s principles. “We do not tolerate rape or sexual harassment in any form, nor do we validate, engage in, or support victim-blaming or shaming,” the statement emphasized. It reiterated that sexual harassment is a serious violation of academic integrity and that the university encourages survivors to report incidents through its formal channels. The statement also addressed the broader issue of gender-based violence, noting that sexual harassment can affect anyone regardless of gender. “Sexual harassment is not gender-specific and can affect anyone,” it stated. The university urged students to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect themselves while emphasizing that the responsibility for preventing abuse lies with the entire community. The incident has reignited debates about how Nigerian universities handle sexual misconduct. Advocacy groups and legal experts have called for more robust policies that prioritize the safety and dignity of all students. They argue that educational institutions must move beyond reactive measures and implement comprehensive programs that foster respect, accountability, and inclusivity. Some have suggested that the university’s initial approach reflects a common challenge, balancing preventive education with the need to avoid stigmatizing vulnerable groups. As the university continues to refine its strategies for addressing sexual harassment, the withdrawal of the advisory signals a step toward aligning institutional practices with contemporary understandings of gender equity and safety. The long-term impact of this decision will depend on how effectively the university integrates these lessons into its broader framework for supporting student well-being. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that all members of the university community feel safe, respected, and empowered.