University of Ibadan has zero tolerance for sexual harassment – VC

University of Ibadan has announced a zero tolerance for sexual harassment in all form within the University community.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Oyebode while speaking to Alliances for Africa and the institution’s Gender mainstreaming office who paid a courtesy visit on him to promote advocacy on sexual harassment in tertiary institution said UI has done a lot to ensure a safe space for students.

Professor Oyebode said that University of Ibadan has been committed to eradicating all forms of sexual harassment in UI and noted that the time has come when all hands must be on deck to curb all form of sexual vices across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Addressing the students after the courtesy visit, the programs officer of Alliance for Africa Mrs Blessing Duru said that the gender policies of University of Ibadan are very  strong to address all forms of sexual harassment but more should be done on the knowledge base of students on the content and importance of the law.

She said that the premier University stand out on Gender policies in Nigeria, Sexual harassment policy, embedded in the student union hand book.

Addressing student during a one day summit for student of the University, Mrs Duru also said it is important to sensitise every member of UI community on the policies

She specifically noted that the culture of silence must be eroded, treat to life and victimisation of survivor must come to an end, insisting that there are cabals that are involved in victimization of students on various campuses when student report any case.

She said UI with a beautiful policy must come together to ensure that all student are aware of the details of the policy.

She assured the student populace that Alliances for Africa will put in place mechanism that will strengthen trust among student and support them to make a report using technology when such issues of sexual harassment are reported as well as giving psyco-social support to survivors.

The coordinator, gender mainstreaming office, Mrs Francesca Ukpokolourged students to speak up when there is any form of sexual harassment, she said no violator will be spared if reported.

She said the policies in UI has been tested and would not be left idle at any time. She pledged to do more to ensure that sexual and gender based violence is reduced to the barest minimum in the University campus.