The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has withdrawn a controversial sexual harassment advisory that urged female students to avoid shaking hands with men, “dressing to kill,” and mingling carelessly with men, following widespread public backlash over what critics described as victim-blaming.
The university announced the withdrawal in a statement issued on Monday by the Head of its Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, saying the publication did not reflect the institution’s values or official position.
The advisory, which was displayed on a roll-up banner by the university’s Student Affairs Division, had listed precautionary measures for female students to avoid sexual harassment and rape.
Among the recommendations were: “Do not shake hands anyhow with any man,” “Do not dress to kill,” and “Do not mingle carelessly with men.”
The publication sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians accusing the institution of shifting responsibility for sexual violence onto women instead of focusing on perpetrators.
Responding to the criticism, the university distanced itself from the advisory and announced that it had been removed.
“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 However, it has been withdrawn, as its content does not reflect the values, position, or standards of the University of Lagos,” the statement said.
The university reiterated that it does not condone rape, sexual harassment or any form of victim-blaming.
“The University of Lagos wishes to state unequivocally, and for the record that we do not tolerate rape or sexual harassment in any form, nor do we validate, engage in, or support victim-blaming or shaming.
“Placing the responsibility on victims or suggesting that individuals are to blame for being subjected to harassment is entirely unacceptable and contrary to the core values of our institution,” the statement added.
UNILAG described sexual harassment as a serious offence that should never be trivialised, noting that anyone, regardless of gender, could become a victim.
“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.
“We, therefore, encourage any student who has experienced or witnessed sexual harassment to utilise the University’s official, confidential reporting structures to ensure immediate investigation and support,” the university stated.
The institution also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment for all members of its community.
The withdrawal comes amid growing calls for educational institutions to adopt survivor-centred approaches to addressing sexual violence rather than issuing advisories perceived to place the burden of prevention on potential victims.
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