LASU Partners University of Edinburgh to Tackle Gender-Based Violence in Nigerian Universities, Backed by British Council

The Lagos State University (LASU), Nigeria, in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, has launched a major research and capacity-building project aimed at addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) within Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The initiative is funded by the British Council under its Going Global Gender Equality Partnerships Project.

The project, titled “Gender-Based Violence in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria: Developing a Framework for Report and Support Channels for Policy Practice”, is jointly led by Dr. Omolade Fakunle, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, and Professor Igot Ofem, Acting Director, LASU Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV).

Three universities with functional Gender Centres are participating:

• Lagos State University (LASU)
• University of Ibadan (UI)
• University of Abuja (UA)

The project focuses on female staff, students, and physically challenged students.

Key Workshop Activities

• Phase One: Held Thursday, 11th September 2025 at LASU College of Medicine (LASUCOM).
• Phase Two: Held Tuesday, 16th September 2025 at University of Ibadan (UI).
• Upcoming Phases: To take place at LASU Main Campus (Ojo), LASU Epe Campus, and University of Abuja (UA).

Courtesy Visits

The project team, led by Prof. Ofem, paid courtesy visits to:

• Office of the Provost, LASUCOM – Prof. Idowu Olufemi (represented by Prof. Sunday Sokunle Soyemi).
• Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan – Prof. K. O. Adebowale (represented by Prof. Juwon Arotiba).

Both institutions pledged full support for the project.

Highlights from Key Presentations

• Prof. Igot Ofem (LASU): Emphasized LASU’s pioneering role as the first Nigerian university to establish a dedicated GBV Centre and integrate GBV policies into academic pedagogy. She presented a paper on “GBV, Reporting and Support Systems on Campus: Why It Matters?”
• Prof. Francisca C. Ukpokolo (UI): Delivered a lecture on “GBV Reporting Mechanisms in Tertiary Institutions: Challenges and the Way Forward.”
• Mrs. Osineye Adetileola (LASUCOM): Spoke on “GBV Support Systems for Students and Staff in Universities: How Robust?”
• Prof. Funmilola Ajani (UI): Addressed “Strengthening GBV Support Systems in Nigerian Universities.”
• Mrs. Akinyemi Olasunbo: Presented “Preventing Gender-Based Violence: The Relevance of Active Bystander Intervention.”

Other Participants

• Dr. Olawunmi Macaulay-Adeyelure (Assistant Director on Rape Issues)
• Dr. Salvage Oluremi (Assistant Director on Sexual Harassment)
• Dr. Samad Lawal Arogundade (Assistant Director on Gender Violence)
• Mrs. Magret Oladejo
• Mr. Sunday Alao
• Ms. Sakirat Dabiri
• Mrs. Adenike Marcus (Senior PRO, CIPR)
• Mr. Kunle Adekoya (Cinematography, CIPR)

Significance

The collaboration not only strengthens institutional frameworks to combat GBV in Nigerian universities but also fosters cross-country knowledge exchange. By comparing gender-related policy development in Nigeria and the UK, the project seeks to establish evidence-informed strategies that advance gender equality in higher education globally.

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