UniAbuja Steps Up Fight Against Sexual Harassment

The University of Abuja has assured that the institution is taking steps to establish a clear reporting and disciplinary framework to address cases of sexual harassment within the university community.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Rosemary Udeozor, gave the assurance in Abuja during a press briefing organised by the Centre for Gender Security Studies and Youth Advancement to mark International Women’s Day 2026 and the launch of a National Campus Climate Baseline Survey on sexual harassment in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Blueprint reports that the baseline survey was a research initiative coordinated by Alliances for Africa (AFA) to examine the prevalence, nature and reporting patterns of sexual harassment and other forms of gender-based violence in public tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

The study covered six federal and six state universities representing the country’s six geopolitical zones and was designed to provide evidence to guide institutional reforms, policies and accountability measures aimed at creating safer campuses for students and staff.

According to Udeozor, the university senate has already mandated a committee to develop comprehensive guidelines that will establish a structured process for reporting, investigating and sanctioning cases of sexual harassment.

“As we speak, there is a committee working on the policy framework and the senate has directed that the draft be presented at its next meeting. Once adopted, a committee will be commissioned to investigate cases and recommend appropriate sanctions,” she said.

Udeozor explained that the proposed structure would allow complaints to be reported at departmental and faculty levels before reaching a central committee, in order to make the reporting process more accessible to students and staff.

“The idea is to create a platform where victims will feel free to report. Just as institutions treat examination malpractice seriously, sexual harassment must also be addressed through clear policies, proper investigation and appropriate sanctions,” she added.

She assured members of the university community that the management is committed to ensuring a safe academic environment, noting that once the policy is approved, a formal mechanism will be established to handle complaints and protect students and staff.

The assurance followed the presentation of the national baseline survey on gender-based violence in Nigerian universities.

Presenting the findings, the Executive Director of Alliances for Africa, Dr. Iheoma Obibi, said the report provides empirical insight into the experiences of gender-based violence on campuses across the country. She was represented at the event by the Director of the Centre for Gender Studies at the University of Abuja, Dr. Theresa Abok.

Obibi who was represented by the Director of the Centre, Dr. Theresa Abok, said the survey found that about 70 per cent of female students and 30 per cent of male students reported experiencing at least one form of gender-based violence on campus, while 63 per cent of female staff and 37 per cent of male staff reported similar experiences.

“Sexual misconduct, including unwanted touching, inappropriate comments, verbal abuse and stalking, was identified as the most frequently reported form of harassment, cited by 42.2 per cent ofv respondents,” the report stated.

Obibi said the findings highlight the need for stronger institutional mechanisms, noting that many survivors do not report incidents due to fear of retaliation, lack of confidential reporting channels and limited trust in existing institutional systems.

She called on university authorities to establish independent sexual harassment response units, strengthen institutional policies and create confidential reporting platforms, alongside regular training for staff and students.

The baseline survey forms part of a five-year programme by Alliances for Africa, in partnership with Co-Impact and 12 university gender centres across the country, aimed at addressing sexual harassment and strengthening accountability systems in public tertiary institutions

Also speaking at the event, sociology lecturer and gender programme coordinator, Dr. Adeyonju Temitope‑Peter, emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in addressing harassment on campus.

He called on male academics and students to support efforts to create safe spaces for everyone within the university community.

Meanwhile, a 400-level Microbiology student in the Faculty of Science, Yahaya Khairat, appealed for the establishment of anonymous reporting channels. She noted that many students endure harassment but are often afraid to report incidents because they fear possible consequences, adding that some believe lecturers tend to support one another, which discourages students from speaking out.

The event, which also featured remarks from international and institutional partners, highlighted the broader theme of the 2026 International Women’s Day campaign, “Give to Gain,” encouraging mentorship, collaboration and practical action toward gender equality.