The University of Lagos has issued a series of safety advisories to female students, urging them to take precautions against sexual harassment and rape on campus.
The guidance, circulated by the university’s Student Affairs Division, was displayed on a roll-up banner as part of efforts to raise awareness about personal safety among female students.
One of the messages on the banner advised students, “Do not shake hands anyhow with any man,” while other recommendations cautioned them against staying alone with men in secluded locations and accepting unnecessary favours.
The advisory also urged students to avoid what the university described as careless interactions with men, saying, “Do not mingle carelessly with men.”
The students were further advised not to seek unnecessary favours from men, avoid watching pornographic materials, and exercise caution when offered drinks.
The banner also encouraged female students to be assertive and resist pressure, stating, “Do not give in to pressure – be assertive.”
Other messages included, “Learn to say no,” and a warning that unprotected sexual activity could result in pregnancy.
The Student Affairs Division said the measures were part of its counselling efforts aimed at educating female students on ways to stay safe and reduce their vulnerability to sexual harassment and rape.
The advisory comes amid concerns over sexual assault cases involving members of the university community.
In April, a 20-year-old UNILAG undergraduate reportedly testified before an Ikeja High Court in a case involving allegations of rape against a lecturer, Dr Samuel Ojogbo.
The student alleged that the incident occurred on August 22, 2025, at the lecturer’s underground office on the university premises.
She told the court that the lecturer had asked her to meet him after an examination.
The university has also faced previous allegations of sexual violence. In 2019, five students were reportedly arraigned by the Lagos State Government over the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old female student.
While the university’s latest campaign is aimed at improving students’ awareness of personal safety, the wording of some of the advisories has also sparked discussions about the responsibility of institutions to address sexual violence without placing the burden of prevention primarily on potential victims.
