UI Renews Push for Stronger Alliances to End Gender-Based Violence

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, fspsp, C.Psych, FSSAN, has described strategic collaboration as central to building a safer campus community, restating the resolve of the university to combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) through wider institutional partnerships. 

He made this statement on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, while receiving representatives of the Women's Research and Documentation Centre (WORDOC), the UI Institute of African Studies, and the EU Support to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (ESGBV) Programme on a courtesy visit to the office of the Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Olapegba reaffirmed that the University has zero-tolerance for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and disclosed that the mission of WORDOC resonates with the university’s policy on the protection of vulnerable people.

He stated that sexual and gender-based violence remains a major challenge affecting many young people, stressing the need for sustained awareness, institutional accountability, and effective support systems to address the challenge. 

He stressed the need for continuous awareness and sensitization to prevent all forms of abuse and encouraged victims of sexual and gender-based violence to speak up and seek appropriate support. 

Professor Olapegba emphasized that reporting SGBV incidents is essential to achieving justice and preventing future occurrences and he stated that the Code of Conduct of the University of Ibadan clearly stipulates sanctions for offenders.

He observed that while sexual and gender-based violence was previously perceived as an issue affecting only women, both men and women are now recognized as victims. 

According to him, there is a need for deeper engagement with the issue to build a safer society and improve the quality of life for everyone.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor added that universities must be accountable by putting effective structures in place to support victims and creating safe reporting channels through which students can confidently approach the University management.

He assured the delegation of the readiness of the University to support initiatives aimed at eliminating sexual and gender-based violence.

Professor Olapegba identified with the activities of WORDOC and the Institute of African Studies, noting that WORDOC has, over the years, organised seminars, conferences, and advocacy programmes that have made significant contributions to scholarship and social development at the University.

He described WORDOC as an integral part of the history of the University of Ibadan, adding that the institution has benefited immensely from the activities of the Centre since its establishment.

He paid tribute to the founder of WORDOC, Professor Bolanle Awe, describing her as an icon, whose vision and commitment to women studies and social justice continue to inspire generations of scholars.

The DVC stated that the University anticipates the celebration of WORDOC's 40th anniversary in 2027 and assured the delegation of the continued support of UI for the Centre's programmes and initiatives.

The Director of the Institute of African Studies, Professor Sola Olorunyomi, explained that the European Union is partnering with WORDOC through the EU Support to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (ESGBV) Programme to promote safer learning environments and strengthen institutional responses to sexual and gender-based violence.

The Director of WORDOC, Dr. Abiola Ayodokun, had earlier disclosed that the Centre will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027 and expressed appreciation to the University administration for its unwavering support since the establishment of the Centre by its founder, Professor Bolanle Awe.

The Chairperson of the Governance, Peace and Migration Committee of the EU Support to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (ESGBV) Programme, Ms. Bukola Taiwo-Obatuga, stated that the programme was designed to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to create safe spaces and contribute to ending sexual and gender-based violence.

According to her, the University of Ibadan was selected as one of two institutions in Nigeria to implement the programme and she appreciated the University for providing a model for the implementation of the project. 

She noted that the structures and commitment of UI to addressing SGBV made it a reference point for the programme.