Lagos State First Lady Calls for Vigilance Against Sexual Harassment at LASU Seminar
On July 18, 2024, Lagos State University (LASU) hosted a seminar on "Sexual Harassment on Campus: Creating a Culture of Respect and Consent," organized by the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) and the Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV).
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
On July 18, 2024, Lagos State University (LASU) hosted a significant seminar on sexual harassment titled "Sexual Harassment on Campus: Creating a Culture of Respect and Consent" at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Hall. The event, organized by the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) in collaboration with the Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV), aimed to address and combat sexual harassment on campus.
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Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady of Lagos State, delivered a powerful message through her representative, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Suara, a member of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO). She underscored the importance of rejecting the culture of silence and embracing vigilance in tackling sexual harassment. Dr. Sanwo-Olu praised SWAN for its role in empowering women and reaffirmed her stance on zero tolerance for sexual violence.
LASU's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Adenike Omotunde Boyo, reaffirmed the university's commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment. She urged students to utilize the university’s resources to address sexual harassment effectively and to contribute to a safer campus environment.
The National Chairperson of SWAN, Mrs. Hildah Ofure Ozoh, FCA, opened the seminar by highlighting SWAN’s 45-year legacy in advancing women's rights and supporting vulnerable groups. She emphasized the organization’s dedication to raising awareness about sexual harassment and safeguarding the girl child.
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Dr. Igot Ofem, Acting Director of CRPSGBV, spoke on the importance of speaking out against sexual violence and advocated for a violence-free campus. The seminar also featured insights from Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the Domestic & Sexual Violence Agency, who discussed consent and indicators of sexual harassment, and Barr. Mutiat Orulu Balogun from the Faculty of Law, who provided legal perspectives on combating sexual violence.
Additional sessions included a briefing on the Accounting Department by Prof. S.A. Bolarinwa, tips for aspiring Chartered Accountants by Mrs. Temilola Enweliku, and a drama performance by the LASU Accounting Department drama team. The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks from Mrs. Fehintola Raji, FCA.
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This well-attended seminar provided a crucial platform for addressing sexual harassment and promoting a culture of respect and consent within the LASU community.
