University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, officially flagged off the Campus Campaign Against Sexual Harassment (C-CASH). Amid complaints of sexual harrasment by students of tertiary institutions.
According to reports, C-CASH is an organisation of lecturers and students who are passionate to reduce sexual harassment on campus.
In his speech at the historic event, Prof. Charles Igwe, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) urged students and staff of the institution to report cases of sexual harassment to the school authorities.
Igwe said sexual harassment had become a cankerworm which everybody should join hands to eliminate.
“UNN under my watch has zero-tolerance for any form of sexual harassment, either on a student or staff.
“My administration abhors any form of sexual harassment, it’s evil and inhuman, everybody should join hands to fight it.
“Please report any student or lecturer who harasses you sexually on campus,” he said.
According to him, the management had put measures in place to sanction offenders.
“UNN has created a student-friendly centre where students can get counseling and share the challenges they are facing on campus,” he said.
The VC, who was represented by Prof. Pat Opoko, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, however, warned students, especially female ones against dressing half naked to classes and lecturers’ offices in order not to attract negative attention to themselves.
Also speaking, Prof. Sabinus Ofoefule the Director of UNN SERVICOM said that the relationship of students and lecturers should have boundary because too much familiarity leads to sexual harassment in most cases.
According to the director, two major effects of sexual harassment were depression and insecurity.
“I advise lecturers and students to ensure that there is a boundary in their relationship.
“A lecturer must know that he/she is a lecturer and the student must know that he/she is a student.
“SERVICOM will always investigative report on sexual harassment as well as try to follow it to a logical conclusion.
“Anyone found guilty will be sanctioned no matter how highly replaced in the university,” he assured.
He, however, cautioned female students to be wary of provocative dressing as it contributes to sexual harassment.
In his remarks, Prof. Anthonia Achike the Director, Gender and Development Policy Centre said that the campaign against sexual harassment did not mean that boys and girls in the university should not engage in good relationship.
“Relationship that has the consent of both is not and will not be sexual harassment.
“Sexual harassment can only occur when there is no consent and when it is obtained by force or intimidation.
“My advice to students, especially female ones is that they should avoid provocative dressing and being in a lonely place with the opposite sex,” she said.