Kaduna State University (KASU) participated in an engaging online conversation hosted by Alliances for Africa, an organisation dedicated to promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of women and girls.
Held on Friday, 25th April 2025, via X Spaces (formerly Twitter Spaces), the discussion explored the pivotal role university governing councils can play in tackling sexual harassment across Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The session featured notable speakers, including the SA to the the Vice-Chancellor of KASU on Research Culture, Prof. Hauwa’u E. Yusuf, Professor of Criminology and Gender Studies; Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, Professor of Law and Practice at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, USA; Emmanuella Osuji, Esq, Legal and Partnerships Officer at Alliances for Africa; and Dr. Plangsat Dayil, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Jos. The session was moderated by acclaimed writer and journalist, Wana Udobang.
Dr. Plangsat Dayil highlighted that Alliances for Africa has created platforms enabling students to report gender-based harassment safely, leading to the dismissal of several lecturers found guilty and encouraging many institutions to adopt student-focused sexual harassment policies.
Moderator Wana Udobang pressed for more transparency and clarity in procedures following harassment reports, underscoring the need for accessible, victim-centered protocols.
Prof. Chidi Odinkalu lauded the initiative, stressing the importance of sensitising lecturers on harassment standards and maintaining professionalism, including discouraging off-campus meetings with students.
Alarmingly, the discussion revealed that 63% of students have experienced some form of sexual harassment, with significant barriers still hindering reporting and redress.
Ms. Emmanuella Osuji highlighted critical gaps in documentation and capacity within university governing councils, many of which consist of political appointees, complicating accountability efforts. She advocated for the public recognition of administrators who actively foster safe, harassment-free environments.
Strengthening Awareness and Institutional Frameworks
Alliances for Africa continues to champion campus sensitisation initiatives, educate students and staff about harassment and related issues like body shaming, and advocate for the publicising of sanctions against offenders as a deterrent.
Participants recommended closer collaboration between student bodies and governing councils, regular engagement forums, and an emphasis on professionalism among students and staff alike.
The session closed with a strong call for continuous sensitisation, robust documentation processes, enforcement of clear policies, and inclusive stakeholder collaboration to create safe, harassment-free learning spaces across Nigeria.