LASUED Partners Lagos State Agency to Sensitize Students on Sexual Violence and Digital Safety

Lagos State University of Education has strengthened its student protection and welfare framework through a sensitisation workshop focused on sexual and gender-based violence as well as digital safety awareness.

The programme, themed “Building Safer Campuses in Lagos State,” was organised by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency in collaboration with the university’s Directorate of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. It was held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Hall.

The initiative, also known as the Purple Lagos Campus Activation Programme, was designed to educate students on issues relating to personal safety, gender awareness, financial awareness, lifestyle choices, and technology use.

Speaking at the event, the Director of the Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Christie-Bola Elegbede, commended the university management for creating a platform for sustained awareness and prevention efforts on campus.

She also praised the Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University of Education, Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, for maintaining a strict zero-tolerance stance on all forms of abuse within the institution.

According to her, the centre was established to educate and empower individuals on self-protection strategies and response mechanisms against sexual and gender-based violence.

The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, represented by Mr. Akinde Emmanuel, explained that the campus activation programme has been running for four years to raise awareness and provide preventive education on abuse-related issues.

He defined sexual and gender-based violence as any harmful act involving sexual, physical, psychological, emotional, or mental abuse carried out against an individual’s will.

He stressed the need for collective responsibility in combating the menace, urging students and stakeholders to report incidents promptly and support survivors in accessing justice and care.

“Sexual and gender-based violence has been happening for years, and we must all join hands together to fight against it. The effects can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts,” he said.

He further encouraged students to take proactive steps by reporting abuse, preserving evidence, and engaging relevant support agencies for intervention.

Another facilitator, Mr. Gabriel, educated students on digital safety and personal data protection as critical tools in preventing technology-enabled abuse.

He warned against excessive exposure on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Snapchat, noting that oversharing personal information increases vulnerability to cyberbullying, stalking, blackmail, and identity exploitation.

He explained that unlike traditional offline childhood games, modern digital engagement leaves permanent footprints that can be misused by cybercriminals and online predators.

Students were advised to minimise personal data exposure online and remain cautious about their digital activities.

He also directed victims of online abuse to reporting and support platforms such as StopNCII.org and MyLawBrella for assistance and protection.