The Tai Solarin Federal University of Education (TASFUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, has formally launched its Sexual Harassment Prevention and Prohibition Policy, strengthening its institutional framework for preventing, reporting, investigating and sanctioning sexual harassment within the university community.
The launch, held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, also marked a milestone in the university’s partnership with the Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI), an organisation working to address sexual and gender-based violence in tertiary institutions through policy development, preventive education, bystander intervention and technology-enabled reporting.
A key component of the collaboration is the planned deployment of a mobile application intended to provide students with confidential channels for reporting sexual harassment and gender-based violence, including options for anonymous reporting. The proposed mechanism is designed to reduce barriers that may discourage victims and witnesses from reporting incidents, particularly fears of discrimination, retaliation or victimisation.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oladipo, described the policy as a social contract and a commitment by the university to protect members of its community while promoting accountability.
He said the document was not intended merely to satisfy regulatory requirements or remain unused, but to serve as a practical framework guiding the university’s response to sexual harassment and safeguarding staff and students.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the policy clearly defines sexual harassment and establishes formal reporting channels, including confidential and anonymous options. It also provides for prevention, disciplinary sanctions and support for survivors.
He explained that disciplinary measures could range from suspension to dismissal, depending on the circumstances and applicable procedures, while survivors would be able to access psychosocial support through the university’s counselling structures.
Prof. Oladipo stressed that the policy applies to every member of the university community, irrespective of gender or status. He noted that both staff and students could be victims or perpetrators of sexual harassment and urged members of the institution to report incidents they experienced or witnessed.
He assured the university community that complaints would be handled confidentially and fairly, without fear or favour.
The Vice-Chancellor said TASFUED’s responsibility extended beyond producing graduates to preparing teachers who would influence the character, values and future of succeeding generations. He argued that an institution committed to producing teachers of character must not tolerate harassment, abuse of power or violations of human dignity.
He urged lecturers and other staff members to regard positions of authority as responsibilities for mentorship and guidance rather than opportunities for exploitation. He also encouraged students to uphold dignity and discipline without compromising their safety or personal dignity in pursuit of academic advancement.
Prof. Oladipo commended Gender Mobile Initiative for its technical support and sustained advocacy for sexual harassment policies across Nigerian tertiary institutions, particularly its promotion of confidential and anonymous reporting mechanisms through technology.
The Director of the Centre for Human Rights and Gender Education (CHURGE), Dr Yinka Adediran, disclosed that the university had established several channels through which complaints could be reported. These include CHURGE, the Student Affairs Division, the Chief Security Office and the Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee, chaired by Prof. Adefunke Olufunmilayo Ekine.
Adediran said complaints would be handled objectively and confidentially, urging anyone who experienced or suspected sexual harassment to report promptly. He added that the policy document and contact details of relevant officers would be uploaded to the university’s website to make the reporting process accessible to staff and students.
He also explained that referral pathways had been established for individuals requiring additional assistance. These include counselling through the Directorate of Counselling and Human Development, Student Affairs and security structures, as well as referrals to relevant external support services where necessary.
Representing Gender Mobile Initiative, its Team Lead, Mrs Omotunde Blessings, described the partnership as an important step towards addressing sexual and gender-based violence in tertiary institutions.
She said GMI’s intervention framework was built around four pillars: policy adoption, preventive education, bystander intervention and technology adoption. She highlighted the technology component as a means of making confidential and anonymous reporting more accessible, particularly for people who may be afraid of retaliation.
Blessings noted that sexual harassment could cause personal harm, affect academic performance and undermine the integrity of educational institutions. She commended TASFUED management for taking steps to institutionalise measures aimed at protecting staff and students.
The immediate past Director of CHURGE, Prof. Adegbenga Onabamiro, reflected on the centre’s work in promoting human rights, gender equality, dignity and campus safety. He welcomed the formal launch but cautioned that it should be viewed as the beginning of a sustained process rather than the conclusion of the university’s efforts.
He said the policy’s long-term value would depend on the development of a campus culture grounded in dignity, respect and accountability, with no tolerance for sexual harassment.
A member of the Technical Working Committee, Prof. Bandele Sogbesan, described the policy as a “shield and buckler” intended to foster a safer and fairer university community, build confidence among staff and students, and support the institution’s pursuit of global excellence.
He emphasised, however, that the effectiveness of the document would ultimately depend on implementation. According to him, a policy can only fulfil its purpose when members of the university community commit themselves to complying with and enforcing its provisions.
The initiative has a history dating back to 2019, with foundational launch steps taking place on September 27, 2023. The formal launch on September 22, 2026, therefore represents the culmination of several years of work involving university management, CHURGE, the Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee and development partners.
The newly appointed Director and Deputy Director, alongside CHURGE staff, were commended for helping to bring the policy to fruition following their assumption of office.
The Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee is chaired by Prof. Adefunke Olufunmilayo Ekine. Its members include Barrister Olalade Kazeem Ogunbanjo, Dr Olaide Balogun, Mrs Elizabeth Alabi, Mr Tomide Adedapo and Mr Omotayo Odukoya, who serves as secretary.
Former CHURGE Director, Prof. Abosede Ewumi, whose tenure saw the initial proposal for a sexual harassment policy, also attended the ceremony. She commended the university management for advancing the initiative and acknowledged the contribution of Prof. Stella Odebode of the University of Ibadan, who was on sabbatical at TASFUED when the policy idea was developed.
Ewumi also recognised those who helped lay the groundwork for the policy, expressing satisfaction that the process had resulted in a formal framework intended to protect members of the university community.
Similarly, Prof. Catherine Egwuogu, a member of the Technical Working Team of the Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee, commended the management and CHURGE team for their work in bringing the policy to completion.
Other attendees included the University Chief Security Officer, Dr Moses Ogundeji; the Igbeba Divisional Police Officer, CSP Mustapha Adeyemi, represented by ASP Aminu Timothy; the Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), TASFUED Branch, Comrade Akeem Adebayo Kehinde; the Chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Mr Adewale Emmanuel Shipe; and the Baale of Ijele, Chief Taiwo, who was recognised for his longstanding support for the initiative.
Gender Mobile Initiative was represented by its Team Lead, Mrs Omotunde Blessings; Communication Officer, Miss Simisola; and members of its technical team.
In her vote of thanks, Dr Oluwaseun Anselm, speaking on behalf of CHURGE, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor and university management for their leadership and commitment to building a safe campus environment. She also acknowledged GMI’s technical and financial support, as well as the contributions of past and present committee members, deans, directors and heads of departments.
The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by members of the university management, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Rotimi Ettu; the Bursar, Mr Kabir Ogunneye, FCA; the University Librarian, Prof. Adebambo Oduwole; the Provost of the Postgraduate College, Prof. Ahmed Simisaye; and the Dean of the College of Social and Management Sciences, Prof. Folasade Oderinde, among others.
The launch marks a significant development in TASFUED’s efforts to establish formal mechanisms for prevention, reporting, investigation, protection and support. The next test will be how consistently the policy is implemented, how accessible its reporting channels become, and whether members of the university community can report concerns with confidence that complaints will be handled fairly and appropriately.
