The British Council has extended its ongoing research and capacity-building initiative on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigerian tertiary institutions to the Lagos State University in continuation of the remarkable strides being recorded by the council
The most recent phases of the Council's project were held at Epe Campus on Wednesday, 15th October 2025, while the Ojo main campus hosted the event on Thursday, 23rd October 2025.
The research initiative, titled *“Gender-Based Violence in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria: Developing a Framework for Report and Support Channels, Policy and Practice”*, is jointly led by Dr Omolabake Fakunle, Principal Investigator on the project and Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, alongside Professor Igot Ofem, Acting Director, Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV), Lagos State University.
The project, which represents a strategic collaboration between the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, and Lagos State University, Nigeria, under the British Council’s Going Global Gender Equality Partnerships, aims to deepen understanding of GBV within academic environments while developing sustainable frameworks for prevention, reporting, and institutional support.
As part of the engagement, the research team, led by Prof. Ofem, paid a courtesy visit to the office of Head of Epe Campus, Prof. Elkanah Oyetunji.
During this visit, the team outlined the objectives of the project and received assurances of institutional support.
In her opening remarks, Professor Igot Ofem, Acting Director of the CRPSGBV, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, for providing an enabling environment and for her steadfast stance of zero tolerance towards sexual harassment on LASU campuses.
She urged participants to be vigilant and report all forms of harassment without fear or hesitation, reiterating that the University remains committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of all its members.
Delivering her address, Dr Omolabake Fakunle, the Principal Investigator and Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Edinburgh, encouraged participants to recognise early warning signs of harassment and to act decisively by reporting perpetrators.
She emphasised that tackling GBV requires collective effort and open dialogue within institutions of learning.
The workshop also featured insightful presentations. Dr Mary Adedoyin, Desk Officer, CRPSGBV Epe Campus, who was represented by Mrs Abari Emmanuel, Head of Registry, spoke on *“Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Reporting Mechanisms in Tertiary Institutions: Challenges and the Way Forward"*.
Also Dr Bola Aina delivered two thought-provoking papers titled *“Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Reporting Mechanisms in Tertiary Institutions: Challenges and the Way Forward”* and *“Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Support Systems for Students and Staff in Universities: How Robust?”*.
Both sessions stimulated critical reflection on the existing structures for GBV response and the need for stronger institutional mechanisms.
Similarly, the Deputy Registrar and Administrative Secretary (CRPSGBV), Lagos State University, Mrs Olasunbo Akinyemi, spoke on *“Preventing Gender-Based Violence (GBV): The Relevance of Active Bystander Intervention”*. Her session underscored the importance of empowering individuals to intervene safely and responsibly when witnessing potential cases of abuse.
The event also featured an engaging question-and-answer session, handled by Dr Oluremi Salvage, Assistant Director for Sexual Harassment, and Dr Olawunmi Macaulay-Adeyelure, Assistant Director for Rape Issues. Participants actively shared their experiences, observations, and suggestions, enriching the discussion and fostering a sense of shared commitment to addressing GBV in higher education.
As the first Nigerian university to establish a dedicated Centre for the Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV), LASU continues to lead by example in promoting gender equity and safety within the academic space.
The collaboration with the University of Edinburgh is expected to strengthen GBV reporting mechanisms, enhance institutional support systems, and contribute to progressive gender-related policy development in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Dr Olawunmi Macaulay-Adeyelure commended the participants, facilitators, and the British Council for their active engagement and unwavering dedication to eradicating gender-based violence in tertiary institutions.
The workshop will continue at the University of Abuja (UA) on Friday, 31st October 2025.
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