The University of Lagos has pulled down an advisory poster on sexual harassment produced by its Student Affairs Division after the publication triggered a wave of backlash on social media. The poster, which was distributed on campus, advised female students to avoid shaking hands with men, accepting gifts from men, being alone with a man in a secluded place, and watching adult content.
Poster Faces Sharp Criticism Online
Many who reacted online argued that the guidance shifted responsibility for preventing sexual harassment onto women, rather than holding potential perpetrators accountable. Critics described the poster as victim-blaming and said it placed an unfair burden on female students to avoid harassment instead of addressing the behavior of harassers.
UNILAG Management Distances Itself from the Poster
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Adejoke R. Alaga-Ibraheem, Head of the University's Communication Unit, UNILAG management said it had taken note of the public's concerns and confirmed the poster had been withdrawn. The university clarified that although the material came from within the institution, it no longer reflects the university's official position on the matter.
Management said UNILAG does not condone forced pleasure, sexual harassment, or any form of victim-blaming, describing sexual harassment as a serious form of misconduct that affects people of all genders and has no place within the institution.
Support Structures for Victims Reaffirmed
Beyond withdrawing the poster, the university used the statement to remind students of the support structures available to them. It encouraged anyone who has experienced or witnessed sexual harassment to use the university's official and confidential reporting channels, which it said exist to enable prompt investigation and appropriate support. The institution also reaffirmed its commitment to building a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all members of the university community.
Broader Context of Sexual Harassment in Nigerian Universities
The incident comes amid growing awareness of sexual harassment in Nigerian higher education institutions. In recent years, several universities have faced scandals involving staff misconduct, leading to calls for stronger policies and better enforcement. UNILAG's swift withdrawal of the poster signals a recognition of the need to align messaging with modern anti-harassment standards that focus on perpetrator accountability rather than victim behavior.
