TASFUED Launches Sexual Harassment Policy, Deepens Partnership with Gender Mobile

The Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Ijagun, has formally launched its Sexual Harassment Prevention and Prohibition Policy, strengthening its institutional framework for preventing, reporting, investigating and sanctioning sexual harassment while providing support for survivors.

The launch, held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, also marked a significant milestone in the University's partnership with the Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI), an organisation that has supported efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence in tertiary institutions through policy development, preventive education, bystander intervention and technology-enabled reporting mechanisms.

The collaboration also envisages the deployment of a mobile application through which students can confidentially report cases of sexual harassment and gender-based violence without fear of discrimination or retaliation.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oladipo, described the policy as a social contract and a commitment by the University to protect every member of its community while strengthening accountability.

Prof. Oladipo said the policy was not intended merely to satisfy regulatory requirements or remain on the shelves, but to serve as a practical framework for guiding the University's response to sexual harassment and protecting staff and students.

According to him, the policy clearly defines sexual harassment and provides formal, confidential and anonymous reporting channels through which complaints can be lodged without fear of victimisation or retaliation.

He added that the policy provides for prevention, sanctions and support, with disciplinary measures ranging from suspension to dismissal for offenders, while survivors would have access to psychosocial support through the University's counselling structures.

The Vice-Chancellor stressed that the policy applies to every member of the University Community, irrespective of gender or status, noting that both staff and students could be victims or perpetrators of sexual harassment.

He therefore urged members of the University community to speak up whenever they experienced or witnessed harassment, assuring them that complaints would be treated with confidentiality, fairness and without fear or favour.

Prof. Oladipo, who described TASFUED as Nigeria's premier specialised Federal University of Education, said the University's responsibility extended beyond producing graduates to preparing teachers who would shape the character, values and future of succeeding generations.

He noted that an institution committed to producing teachers of character could not tolerate an environment where harassment, abuse of power or violations of human dignity were allowed to thrive.

"I urge lecturers and other members of staff to regard positions of authority as responsibilities for mentorship and guidance rather than opportunities for exploitation. I equally encourage students to uphold dignity and discipline while never compromising their safety or personal dignity for academic advantage," he added.

Prof. Oladipo commended the Gender Mobile Initiative for its technical support and sustained advocacy for the adoption of sexual harassment policies across tertiary institutions in Nigeria, particularly its promotion of confidential and anonymous reporting mechanisms through technology.

Speaking at the event, the Director, Centre for Human Rights and Gender Education (CHURGE), Dr. Yinka Adediran, disclosed that the University had established multiple channels through which sexual harassment complaints could be reported.

He identified CHURGE, the Student Affairs Division, the Chief Security Office and the Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee, chaired by Prof. Adefunke Olufunmilayo Ekine, as key reporting points.

Dr. Adediran assured members of the University community that complaints would be handled objectively and confidentially, urging anyone who experienced or suspected sexual harassment to report promptly.

He added that the policy document and contact details of relevant officers would be uploaded to the University's website to make the reporting mechanisms readily accessible to staff and students.

He further explained that referral pathways had been established for individuals requiring additional support, including counselling through the Directorate of Counselling and Human Development, Student Affairs and security structures, as well as relevant external support services.

Representing the Gender Mobile Initiative, its Team Lead, Mrs. Omotunde Blessings, described the partnership with TASFUED as a significant step towards combating sexual and gender-based violence in tertiary institutions.

She explained that GMI's intervention framework was anchored on four major pillars: policy adoption, preventive education, bystander intervention and technology adoption.

According to her, the technology component was particularly important because it provides avenues for confidential and anonymous reporting, thereby reducing the fear of retaliation that could discourage victims and witnesses from speaking out.

Mrs. Blessings noted that sexual harassment could cause personal harm, affect academic performance and undermine the integrity of educational institutions. She therefore commended TASFUED Management for taking proactive steps to institutionalise measures for the protection of staff and students.

The immediate past Director of CHURGE, Prof. Adegbenga Onabamiro, reflected on the Centre's contributions to human rights, gender equality, dignity and campus safety during his tenure and expressed satisfaction with the formal launch of the policy.

Prof. Onabamiro noted that the launch should not be regarded as the conclusion of the process but as the beginning of a sustained culture of dignity, respect, accountability and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

A member of the Technical Working Committee, Prof. Bandele Sogbesan, described the policy as a "shield and buckler" designed to foster a safer and fairer University community, build confidence among staff and students and advance the institution's pursuit of global excellence.

He, however, emphasized that the effectiveness of the policy would ultimately depend on its implementation, stressing that a policy document could only achieve its purpose when members of the University community collectively commit themselves to complying with and enforcing its provisions.

The initiative to establish the policy dates back to 2019, with foundational launch steps taking place on September 27, 2023. The formal launch on September 22, 2026, therefore represents the culmination of sustained institutional efforts involving University Management, CHURGE, the Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee and development partners.

The newly appointed Director and Deputy Director, alongside members of staff of CHURGE, were commended for helping to bring the long-awaited policy to fruition shortly after assuming office.

The Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee is chaired by Prof. Adefunke Olufunmilayo Ekine, with Barrister Olalade Kazeem Ogunbanjo, Dr. Olaide Balogun, Mrs. Elizabeth Alabi, Mr. Tomide Adedapo and Mr. Omotayo Odukoya, who serves as Secretary.

A former Director of CHURGE, Prof. Abosede Ewumi, under whose leadership the idea of the Sexual Harassment Policy was first mooted, was also present at the ceremony. She commended the University Management for taking decisive steps towards actualising the initiative and expressed appreciation to Prof. Stella Odebode of the University of Ibadan, who was on sabbatical at the University at the time, for her significant role in birthing the policy initiative.

Similarly, a member of the Technical Working Team of the Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee, Prof. Catherine Egwuogu, commended the University Management and the CHURGE team for their efforts.

Also present at the ceremony were the University Chief Security Officer, Dr. Moses Ogundeji; the Divisional Police Officer, Igbeba Division, CSP Mustapha Adeyemi, represented by ASP Aminu Timothy; the Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), TASFUED Branch, Comrade Akeem Adebayo Kehinde; Chairman, Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Mr. Adewale Emmanuel Shipe; and the Baale of Ijele, Chief Taiwo, who was recognised for his longstanding support for the initiative from its inception.

In her vote of thanks, Dr. Oluwaseun Anselm, on behalf of CHURGE, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor and University Management for their leadership and commitment to building a safe campus environment.

She also acknowledged the Gender Mobile Initiative for its technical and financial support, as well as past and present members of the Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committees, Deans, Directors and Heads of Departments whose contributions helped bring the policy to fruition.

The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by members of the University Management, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Rotimi Ettu; the Bursar, Mr. Kabir Ogunneye, FCA; the University Librarian, Prof. Adebambo Oduwole; the Provost, Postgraduate College, Prof. Ahmed Simisaye; and the Dean, College of Social and Management Sciences, Prof. Folasade Oderinde, among others.