UNILAG Withdraws Flyer Criticised for Blaming Women for Sexual Harassment

A UNILAG Student Affairs flyer on sexual-harassment counselling has drawn outrage for advising women not to shake hands with men “anyhow”, accept frequent gifts or stay alone with men. Critics say the message shifts responsibility from perpetrators to potential victims. The backlash is especially significant because UNILAG has faced several sexual-harassment and sexual-assault allegations involving lecturers over the years. The university has since said it does not support the flyer’s message and has withdrawn it. But withdrawing the material does not end the wider concern. Victim-blaming discourages survivors from reporting abuse and feeds the stigma that often protects offenders. Prevention efforts should focus on consent, accountability, survivor support and effective investigations, not restrictions placed on women. Nigeria’s reported gender-based violence cases and low conviction rates show why institutions must do better. Universities should be safe spaces where students can report abuse and trust that complaints will be handled fairly.

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