Skip to main content

LASUSTECH VC, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, Frowns at Prevalence of Sexual Harassment, Reiterates Zero Tolerance


Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, has expressed concern over the prevalence of sexual harassment within the university community. 

Speaking at the monthly Executive Management Meeting with the University's Labour Union Executives on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at the Council Chamber, Ikorodu Campus, Prof. Odusanya presented a paper titled "Preventing Sexual Violence."

"Various studies in Nigeria show that almost half of University students had experienced sexual violence. Sexual harassment is a scourge that must be eradicated from our campus. LASUSTECH has zero tolerance for sexual harassment in any form," Prof. Odusanya emphasized. "We will not condone any behavior that compromises the safety and well-being of our students and staff."

Prof. Odusanya cited the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2021, Section 264, which addresses unwelcome situations that affect academic and employment performance. He defined sexual harassment as including physical, verbal, non-verbal conduct, stalking, and rape.

According to Prof. Odusanya, common forms of sexual harassment include insensitive sexual jokes,  brushing of body parts in an unwelcome manner,  and persistent demands for sex by lecturers/students. He attributed the causes of sexual harassment on campus to various factors, highlighting the need for collective action to prevent it.

"The harms of sexual harassment are numerous, including fear, mental health issues, shame, guilt, and STI/HIV," Prof. Odusanya noted. "LASUSTECH is committed to creating a safe and conducive environment for all stakeholders."

The VC outlined the university's policy statement on sexual harassment, which includes:

- Continuous sensitization of the university community
- Zero tolerance for sexual harassment
- Prompt and confidential investigation of complaints
- Administrative action, sanction, and remedy
- Encouragement of high ethical standards

Prof. Odusanya assured that a complaint process is being established and urged all stakeholders to prevent, report, and abstain from sexual harassment.

"Let us work together to create a culture of respect and dignity," Prof. Odusanya concluded.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Two LASUSTECH Students in Ikorodu

By Habeeb Ibrahim, Odeyemi Ibukun and Bisiriyu Hassan The Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, community is mourning the loss of two of its students following a fatal accident on Saturday  morning at Powerline Junction, before Aleje, inward Ikorodu Roundabout, Lagos. The deceased students have been identified as: Ayomide Jagun , 300 Level, Mechatronics Afọlábí Emmanuel , 200 Level, Banking and Finance (Direct Entry) According to eyewitnesses, the accident involved a sand-laden tipper truck, a Toyota Corolla, a multi-purpose bus, and several tricycles. Preliminary reports indicate that the tipper, reportedly speeding, suffered a brake failure, causing it to collide with other vehicles along the busy road. While initial reports suggested multiple casualties, only the deaths of the two LASUSTECH students and a one SS 3 student of Ikorodu High School have been officially confirmed. The status of other injured individuals is still under veri...

Students Barred from LASUSTECH First Gate Over Safety Concerns

By Habeeb Ibrahim and Adefeso Precious Students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) were on Monday morning restricted from accessing the campus through the First Gate, tagged as West Gate 1, due to safety concerns. The restriction led to confusion among students, who were subsequently directed by security personnel to use the Second Gate for entry into the campus. Speaking on the development, security officials disclosed that the action followed an incident that occurred around 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, when a tension wire was reportedly cut from a pole and fell directly at the entrance of First Gate. According to the security personnel, the fallen wire posed a potential risk of injury, electric shock, or sparks to students and other individuals passing through the gate. As a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of the campus community, movement through First gate was temporarily suspended, while students were instructed to ac...

LASUSTECH Announces February 13, 2027, for Maiden Convocation

By Adetoyinbo Berachah The Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) has announced February 13, 2027, as the date for its maiden convocation. The announcement was made by the Director of Student Affairs (DSA), Dr. Ademola Aderogba, during the first engagement meeting of the 2025/2026 academic session. The meeting featured the introduction of Heads of Class (HOCs) and representatives from various departments. Dr. Aderogba addressed issues relating to the academic session and outlined expectations for students. He presented an overview of academic results across colleges and departments, noting variations in performance. Students were advised to ensure lecturers are invited for scheduled lectures. According to the DSA, all issues relating to academic results must be resolved before January 27, 2026, when the University Senate will review them. He stated that no further consideration would be given to result-related issues after that date. Students were...