Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, LASUSTECH, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, has expressed concern over the rising cases of sexual harassment within the university community.
He disclosed this while speaking at the monthly Executive Management Meeting (EMM) with the University’s Labour leaders at the Council Chamber, Ikorodu Campus, Prof. Odusanya revealed: ‘Research in Nigeria indicates that nearly half of university students have faced sexual violence. Sexual harassment is a plague that must be eliminated from our campus. LASUSTECH adopts a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment in all its forms. We will not tolerate any behavior that jeopardizes the safety and well-being of our students and staff.'”
Prof. Odusanya made reference to the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2021, Section 264, “Which tackles challenging circumstances that impact academic and professional success.”
He noted that sexual harassment include physical, verbal, non-verbal conduct, stalking, and rape. According to him, 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.
Blaming the causes of sexual harassment on campus to various factors, and highlighting the need for collective action to prevent it, Prof. Odusanya informed, “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.
“The university’s policy statement on sexual harassment include 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.”
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