LAGOS: The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has withdrawn a controversial anti-rape advisory issued to female students after it sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many accusing the institution of promoting victim-blaming rather than addressing the conduct of perpetrators.
The university announced the withdrawal in a statement released on Monday by the Head of its Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, emphasizing that the publication did not represent the institution’s official position, values, or standards.
The controversy erupted after a roll-up banner produced by the University’s Student Affairs Division circulated online.
The advisory contained recommendations urging female students to avoid actions it claimed could expose them to sexual harassment and rape. Among the guidelines were instructions such as, “Do not shake hands anyhow with any man,” “Do not dress to kill, and Do not mingle carelessly with men.
The publication quickly drew criticism from students, gender rights advocates, and members of the public, who argued that the advice unfairly placed responsibility for preventing sexual assault on women instead of focusing on those who commit such crimes.
Many social media users described the message as outdated and insensitive, saying institutions should educate potential offenders about consent and appropriate behaviour rather than suggesting that women’s appearance or social interactions determine whether they become victims of sexual violence.
Responding to the backlash, UNILAG acknowledged that the advisory originated from its Student Affairs Division but stressed that it had since been withdrawn because it failed to reflect the university’s official values.
“The Management of the University of Lagos is aware of recent public concerns, commentary, and outrage following the circulation on social media of an image showing a publication on sexual harassment.
“We acknowledge that the publication was originally produced by the University’s Student Affairs Division. However, it has been withdrawn, as its content does not reflect the values, position, or standards of the University of Lagos,” the statement read.
The university further stated that it rejects all forms of rape, sexual harassment, victim-blaming, and victim-shaming.
According to the institution, assigning responsibility to victims or suggesting they are to blame for acts of harassment is completely unacceptable and inconsistent with the university’s commitment to protecting members of its community.
Reaffirming its position, UNILAG said sexual harassment remains a serious offence that has no place within the institution.
The university noted that cases of sexual misconduct should never be trivialised and emphasized that anyone, regardless of gender, can become a victim of harassment.
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.”
The institution encouraged students and staff who have experienced or witnessed any form of sexual harassment to report such incidents through its confidential reporting channels to ensure prompt investigation and appropriate support for victims.
UNILAG assured students, parents, and the general public that it remains committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful academic environment.
According to the statement, creating a campus where students can learn, work, and thrive without fear of harassment remains one of the institution’s priorities.
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, the statement concluded.
The controversy has once again drawn attention to the persistent issue of sexual harassment within Nigerian tertiary institutions, including UNILAG.
In recent years, the university has recorded several high-profile allegations involving members of its academic community.
Earlier this year, a 20-year-old undergraduate accused a lecturer, Dr. Samuel Ojogbo, of allegedly raping her inside his office on the university campus. The allegation generated significant public attention and renewed calls for stronger mechanisms to protect students from sexual abuse.
Similarly, in 2019, five UNILAG students were arraigned before a court over the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old student, a case that intensified national conversations about campus security and accountability.
The withdrawal of the advisory has been welcomed by many students and rights advocates, who described the decision as a necessary step toward correcting what they viewed as a harmful narrative.
Advocates have continued to urge universities across Nigeria to adopt policies that prioritize survivor support, strengthen reporting systems, enforce disciplinary measures against offenders, and promote education on consent rather than issuing guidelines that could be interpreted as placing responsibility on victims.
The incident has also reignited broader discussions about how educational institutions communicate messages on sexual violence and the importance of ensuring that awareness campaigns focus on preventing abuse, protecting victims, and holding perpetrators accountable rather than reinforcing stereotypes that may discourage victims from speaking out.
