By Innocent Anaba

LAGOS —The Lagos State University, LASU and a non-governmental organisation, Alliances for Africa, AFA, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to enhance the fight against sexual and gender-based violence, SGBV, within the university community.

The MoU was signed by Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, Vice-Chancellor of LASU, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Oseni Afisi and Mrs. Blessing Duru, Director of Programmes at AFA.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Afisi described the partnership as a reinforcement of LASU’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment, free from all forms of SGBV.

He emphasised that the university has long been proactive in this area, citing its comprehensive sexual harassment policy, the establishment of a Centre for Response and Prevention Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, and the incorporation of a United Nations-backed course on Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies into its curriculum.

In her remarks, Mrs. Duru highlighted AFA’s leading role in combating SGBV in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

She stated that LASU was selected as one of 12 institutions for the initiative due to its track record and strong institutional stance against SGBV.