In a significant move to reinforce the fight against sexual harassment, Lagos State University (LASU) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI), an Abuja-based Non-Governmental Organisation, on Thursday, December 5, 2024.
The agreement was formalized during a ceremony held in the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room at the Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building, Ojo campus.
The MoU, facilitated by the Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education, was signed by LASU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, and GMI’s Executive Director, Mrs. Omowunmi Ogunrotimi.
The collaboration aims to bolster the university’s existing initiatives against sexual harassment through the introduction of a comprehensive campus safety initiative led by LASU’s Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV).
Speaking at the event, Prof. Olatunji-Bello reaffirmed her administration commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment. “We are determined to ensure that Lagos State University is a place where all students feel secure and supported. This partnership with GMI will significantly strengthen our efforts in combating sexual harassment,” she said.
Mrs. Ogunrotimi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the collaboration. “This MoU signifies a new phase in addressing sexual harassment in LASU. Through this partnership, we will introduce innovative strategies to enhance campus safety and ensure the sustainability of the university’s gender-based violence prevention initiatives,” she remarked.
The agreement outlines several responsibilities for both parties. GMI will provide LASU with technical support to enhance its existing sexual harassment prohibition policies, addressing emerging challenges. Additionally, GMI will develop a sexual assault prevention and consent education module for staff and students. On its part, LASU will ensure the creation of an enabling environment for the initiative’s success.
The signing ceremony was attended by Hon. Samuel Kappo, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tertiary Education, as well as officials from the Ministry of Tertiary Education, members of the university management team, and representatives of the CRPSGBV.
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