The University of Lagos has issued a set of counselling guidelines for female students aimed at promoting personal safety and reducing the risk of sexual harassment and rape on campus.
The advisory, released on Monday by the university’s Student Affairs Division, was displayed on a roll-up banner at the institution. It comes amid reported cases of sexual assault and rape within the university community.
One of the banner’s most prominent messages advises female students: “Do not shake hands anyhow with any man.”
Other guidance on the banner includes: “Do not dress to kill. Do not mingle carelessly with men. Do not stay alone with a man in a hidden place. Do not seek unnecessary favour from men. Do not join to watch pornographic film/pictures. Do not accept intoxicants and be vigilant when you are served with drinks. Do not give in to pressure – be assertive.
“Learn to say no. One-time sex can cause you pregnancy; if you don’t want it, don’t try it.”
According to the Student Affairs Division, the advisory forms part of the university’s counselling and awareness efforts to educate female students on personal safety and measures that may help reduce the risk of sexual harassment and rape on campus.
The University of Lagos has recorded incidents of sexual assault and rape in recent years, prompting the introduction of awareness campaigns and counselling initiatives aimed at improving student safety and encouraging the reporting of sexual misconduct.
