FULokoja Leads Bold Campaign Against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment in Academic Spaces

Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has taken a decisive step in addressing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH) within academic environments.

On Thursday, August 2025, the Felele Multipurpose Hall was filled with students, lecturers, civil society organisations, and members of the university management for a one-day workshop organised by the Institute of Gender Studies.

The event, themed “The University as a Safe Space: Addressing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH) in Academic Spaces,” underscored FUL’s commitment to building a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Speaking at the opening, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, reaffirmed the university’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment. He noted that FUL’s student population had grown from 7,000 to nearly 30,000 in just a few years, a development that makes proactive intervention even more urgent. He called on students to speak up, assuring them that the institution would listen, act, and protect.

The Director of the Institute of Gender Studies, Professor Ofure Aito, further encouraged participants, emphasising that structures are already in place to support victims and unveiling plans to roll out a comprehensive SEAH policy soon.

Other key speakers included:

• Professor Ifeyinwa Okolo, who advocated for a culture of openness that guarantees protection for victims who report incidents.
• Ms. Eunice Abimbole Agbogun, Executive Director of the Challenged Parenthood Initiative, who urged the community to dismantle harmful norms and break the culture of silence by respecting personal boundaries.

Civil society organisations present pledged continued collaboration to amplify survivors’ voices and sustain advocacy against SEAH across academic spaces.

The campaign gained further momentum the following day with a symbolic road walk against sexual harassment and bullying. The procession, led by the Vice-Chancellor alongside the Registrar, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and other principal officers, marched from the Adankolo Campus through Government House Road, drawing attention to the university’s bold stance.

For more details, visit FUL News Portal.