The University of Lagos’ decision to withdraw its controversial safety advisory to female students is a welcome development. More importantly, it offers a valuable lesson in how universities should respond when well-intentioned policies are perceived to undermine the very principles they seek to uphold.
The initial advisory, which cautioned female students against shaking hands indiscriminately with men and offered guidance on their dressing and interactions, attracted widespread criticism. Many argued that it placed undue responsibility on women while failing to confront the conduct of those who perpetrate sexual harassment. By withdrawing the advisory and reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on sexual harassment, UNILAG has demonstrated a willingness to listen, reflect and act. That is a hallmark of responsible institutional leadership.
As an educator, I recognise that safeguarding students is one of the foremost responsibilities of any educational institution. Universities are not merely centres of academic excellence; they are communities where young adults should feel safe to learn, develop and pursue their aspirations without fear of harassment, intimidation or abuse. However, safeguarding policies must be framed in ways that protect students without reinforcing stereotypes or inadvertently shifting responsibility from perpetrators to victims.
Sexual harassment is never caused by a handshake, a smile, a style of dressing or a polite conversation. It stems from the deliberate actions of individuals who choose to abuse power, ignore boundaries and violate consent. Consequently, institutional policies should focus primarily on addressing the attitudes and behaviour of offenders rather than regulating the ordinary conduct of those who may become victims.
This is not to suggest that students should disregard personal safety. Every student, regardless of gender, should be encouraged to exercise caution, remain aware of their surroundings and make informed decisions. However, such guidance should be universal, balanced and communicated as practical safety advice rather than as moral expectations directed at one group.
The conversation must therefore move beyond victim-focused messaging to one of shared institutional responsibility.
Universities should invest in comprehensive education on consent, mutual respect and healthy relationships. They must establish confidential and accessible reporting mechanisms, ensure allegations are investigated promptly and fairly, and impose appropriate sanctions on anyone found guilty of sexual harassment, irrespective of their position or status. Regular training for staff and students should also form part of every institution’s safeguarding framework.
Equally important is fostering a campus culture in which survivors are supported rather than blamed. Many victims remain silent because they fear stigma, retaliation or disbelief. A truly safe university is one where reporting misconduct is met with empathy, confidentiality and decisive action.
UNILAG’s response also provides a broader lesson in leadership. Institutions should not view public criticism as an attack but as an opportunity for reflection and improvement. By listening to students, alumni and the wider public, the university has shown that effective leadership is measured not by an unwillingness to admit mistakes, but by the courage to correct them.
This episode should encourage other tertiary institutions across Nigeria to review their safeguarding policies. Every guideline should answer a simple question: Does it genuinely protect students without placing responsibility on those who suffer harm? Does it promote equality, fairness and respect for human dignity?
Universities shape more than academic achievement; they shape values, character and citizenship. The messages they communicate influence how young people understand respect, accountability and justice. Policies that appear to blame victims, however unintentionally, risk undermining these essential values.
The withdrawal of the advisory should therefore not be regarded as a retreat. Rather, it should be seen as evidence that institutions can learn, adapt and strengthen public confidence through responsive leadership.
Ultimately, the safest university is not one where women are told what not to do. It is one where every member of the community understands that sexual harassment is unacceptable, where perpetrators are held accountable, and where respect for the dignity and rights of every individual is non-negotiable.
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