UI Strengthens Institutional Partnerships to Combat Gender-Based Violence

The University of Ibadan (UI) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), with the institution’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, fspsp, C.Psych, FSSAN, describing strategic collaboration as critical to building a safer campus community.

Professor Olapegba made the 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 during a courtesy visit to the office of the Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Olapegba reaffirmed that the University maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual and gender-based violence, noting that the mission of WORDOC aligns with the University’s policy on protecting 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 problem.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor called for continuous awareness and sensitisation to prevent all forms of abuse, while encouraging victims of sexual and gender-based violence to speak up and seek appropriate support.

Professor Olapegba emphasised that reporting SGBV incidents is essential to achieving justice and preventing future occurrences. He added that the University of Ibadan’s Code of Conduct clearly stipulates sanctions for offenders.

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

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

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor added that universities must demonstrate accountability by establishing effective structures to support victims and creating safe reporting channels through which students can confidently approach University management.

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

Professor Olapegba also identified with the activities of WORDOC and the Institute of African Studies, noting that WORDOC had, over the years, organised seminars, conferences and advocacy programmes that had 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 had benefited immensely from the Centre’s activities since its establishment.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor paid tribute to the founder of WORDOC, Professor Bolanle Awe, describing her as an icon whose vision and commitment to women’s studies and social justice continue to inspire generations of scholars.

Professor Olapegba stated that the University anticipates the celebration of WORDOC’s 40th anniversary in 2027 and assured the delegation of UI’s continued support 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 would celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027. She 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. She appreciated the University for providing a model for the implementation of the project.

She noted that the structures and commitment demonstrated by the University of Ibadan in addressing SGBV had made the institution a reference point for the programme.