University of Lagos Commemorates 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) joined the global community in observing the 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an annual campaign running from 25th November to 10th December.

Under the theme Orange UNILAG, Orange the World, the initiative highlights the university’s commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and gender-responsive environment for all members of its community.

As a leading Nigerian tertiary institution, UNILAG has consistently championed social responsibility, academic excellence, and community development. The UNILAG Safeguarding Centre, led by Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, strengthens structures that promote physical, mental, and digital safety for students, staff, and visitors. The Centre manages reports of harassment, bullying, abuse, and other forms of exploitation, while providing confidential support services and capacity-building initiatives across campus.

A national survey published in BMC Public Health (2024), which sampled 30,114 students from 18 Nigerian tertiary institutions, revealed that 37% of students reported experiences of sexual violence, with female students being twice as likely to be affected. These findings emphasize the urgency of sustained interventions within academic communities.

The 2025 16 Days of Activism campaign at UNILAG aims to:

• Raise awareness of the prevalence and impact of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) within and beyond the university.
• Engage students, faculty leadership, and stakeholders in prevention and advocacy efforts.
• Mobilize resources for survivor-centered support services, community engagement, and educational initiatives.
• Strengthen long-term institutional commitment to gender equality and safe learning environments.

Key Activities Include:

• Campaign Launch & Press Briefing: Opening ceremony with official statements and media engagement.
• Campus Illumination: Lighting of key UNILAG landmarks in orange to show solidarity with survivors and the global movement.
• Educational Workshops: Interactive sessions on recognizing GBV, survivor support, legal rights, empowerment, and mental health.
• Digital Advocacy: Daily online actions, webinars, infographics, survivor stories, and mobilization using hashtags #OrangeTheWorld and #OrangeUnilag.
• Creative Expressions: “Writing on the Wall of Hope” event and art exhibition on Tuesday, 2nd December 2025.
• Closing Ceremony: Keynote addresses by university leadership, guest advocates, and partners on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025.

For Vice-Chancellor Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, this year’s campaign serves as a rallying point for the University Community—students and staff alike—to formally commit to a Zero-Tolerance Policy on Gender-Based Violence and launch a simplified version of the Sexual Harassment Policy.

The campaign targets students, Deans of Faculty, academic and non-academic staff, the local community, partner organizations, embassies, media, and policymakers. UNILAG anticipates reaching over 10,000 students, enhancing understanding of GBV, reinforcing institutional and community resilience, and fostering lasting commitment to gender justice within and beyond the campus.