The Lagos State University (LASU) has taken a significant step in combating sexual harassment with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI), an Abuja-based non-governmental organization.
The agreement was formalized on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, located in the Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building, Ojo Campus.
The partnership, facilitated by the Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education, aims to bolster the university’s ongoing efforts to create a safe and inclusive environment for its students. LASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, and GMI Executive Director, Mrs. Omowunmi Ogunrotimi, signed the MoU during the event.
Mrs. Ogunrotimi described the collaboration as a “campus safety initiative” that will build on the work already spearheaded by LASU’s Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV).
She also emphasized that the initiative would provide technical support to enhance LASU’s existing sexual harassment prohibition policy, addressing emerging issues and introducing a sexual assault prevention and consent education module for both staff and students.
Prof. Olatunji-Bello reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of students, stating, “Our goal is to create a university environment that is safe, inclusive, and supportive for all.”
Under the terms of the MoU, while GMI will offer technical support and educational resources, LASU will ensure the initiative thrives by providing a conducive environment for its implementation.
The signing ceremony was attended by Hon. Samuel Kappo, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tertiary Education; officials from the Ministry of Tertiary Education; members of LASU’s management team; and representatives from CRPSGBV.
This partnership signals a renewed commitment by LASU to tackle sexual harassment and foster a culture of safety and respect across its campus.
