LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH DISSEMINATE GBV POLICY FRAMEWORK TO STRENGTHEN SAFER CAMPUSES

Lagos State University in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, has disseminated the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Policy, Report and Support Framework for Tertiary Institutions, reaffirming its commitment to promoting safe, inclusive and violence-free learning environments across Nigerian universities.‎‎

The dissemination programme, funded by the British Council under the Going Global Gender Equality Partnerships Project, was held on Monday, 27th July 2026, at the Femi Gbajabiamila Conference Centre, Main Campus, Ojo.‎‎The event followed the successful completion of the collaborative research project jointly undertaken by the University of Edinburgh and Lagos State University across Lagos, Ibadan and Abuja.

The project focused on developing an evidence-based framework to strengthen institutional policies, reporting mechanisms and support systems for survivors of Gender-Based Violence in tertiary institutions.‎

Proceedings commenced with a courtesy visit by the Country Head of the British Council Higher Education, Nigeria, Mr Daniel *EMENAHOR*; the Investigators (Dr Omolabake *FAKUNLE* and Prof. Igot *OFEM*); the Gender Directors of the University of Ibadan, the University of Abuja, and Lagos State University; representatives of NGOs/GBV service providers and members of the research team to the Lagos State University Management at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room, 6th floor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Senate Building. They were received by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi *OLATUNJI-BELLO*, mni, NPOM, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Oseni Taiwo *AFISI* along with other principal officers of the University. During the visit, the Acting Director of the Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV), Professor Igot *OFEM*, traced the British Council’s approval of the research collaborations between the Lagos State University and the University of Edinburgh to 2024, highlighting the remarkable progress made through the British Council-funded initiative.‎

The dissemination programme officially began with a warm welcome by Mrs Adenike *MARCUS*, Senior Public Relations Officer, Centre for Information and Public Relations, Lagos State University, who warmly received the management team, distinguished guests, researchers, institutional partners and participants. She described the programme as a significant milestone in the collective effort to promote safer, more inclusive and equitable tertiary institutions through research-driven policy and institutional collaboration.

‎‎Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola *OLATUNJI-BELLO*, mni, NPOM, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oseni Taiwo *AFISI*, reaffirmed the University’s unwavering commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV). He noted that the establishment of the LASU Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence has strengthened institutional support for survivors while fostering confidence among students and staff to report incidents without fear. He subsequently declared the dissemination programme open.

The Head of the British Council Higher Education, Mr Daniel *EMENAHOR*, welcomed participants and reiterated the Council’s commitment to promoting gender equality through international partnerships. He explained that the Going Global Gender Equality Partnerships Project was designed to strengthen collaboration between United Kingdom universities and African universities as demonstrated by the partnership between Lagos State University and the University of Edinburgh, in addressing Gender-Based Violence through research, capacity building, and policy development. He also commended Lagos State University for its exemplary female representation in leadership.

‎‎Presenting the findings of the research, Dr Omolabake *FAKUNLE* from the University of Edinburgh and Principal Investigator of the project disclosed that the study involved 949 respondents drawn from participating institutions in Lagos, Ibadan and Abuja. She revealed that Lagos State University emerged as the only participating institution with both a functional Gender-Based Violence Centre and a readily accessible Gender-Based Violence policy.

‎Dr *FAKUNLE* further unveiled the proposed Gender-Based Violence Policy, Report and Support Framework, anchored on six strategic pillars: *Policy, Awareness, Accessibility, Survivor-Centeredness, Responsiveness, and Monitoring and Evaluation*. According to her, the framework provides a practical roadmap for strengthening institutional responses, enhancing survivor support, and promoting accountability across tertiary institutions.‎‎

In her remarks, Professor Igot *OFEM*, Co-Investigator and Acting Director of the LASU Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, expressed appreciation to the British Council, the University of Edinburgh, Lagos State University Management and all project partners for their invaluable contributions to the success of the initiative. She described the dissemination of the framework as a major step towards institutionalising sustainable strategies for preventing and responding to Gender-Based Violence within higher education.

‎A major highlight of the programme was the official launch of the GBV Research website, https://www.GBVResearch.org, developed using lightweight HTML technology to ensure accessibility, particularly in areas with limited internet connectivity. The website is expected to serve as a repository for research outputs, institutional resources and best practices relating to Gender-Based Violence prevention and response.‎‎The programme had in attendance the Lagos State University Director of the Directorate of Research Management and Innovation, Professor Adejuwon *ADENEYE*, Gender Directors of Tertiary Institutions; Deans, Directors, representatives of FIDA; and NGOs/GBV service providers. Also featured in the programme were goodwill remarks from the representatives of participating institutions, Prof. Funmilayo *AJANI*, Director, Gender Mainstreaming Office, University of Ibadan, Oyo State; Dr Theresa *ABOK*, Director, Centre for Gender Security and Youth Advancement, University of Abuja; Prof. Adesola *AJAYI*, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head, Research and Innovation, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos; an interactive question-and-answer session; and the recognition of members of the research team and the LASU Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence for their dedication and outstanding contributions to the successful execution of the project.

‎‎As part of efforts to extend the reach of the research findings beyond the dissemination programme, the Principal Investigators visited the LASU Radio 95.7FM studio, where they participated in a live broadcast to discuss the outcomes of the project, the newly developed framework and the importance of strengthening institutional mechanisms for addressing Gender-Based Violence in tertiary institutions.‎‎

The media advocacy continued with another live engagement at Metro FM, Ikoyi, where the researchers further sensitised the public on the objectives, findings and expected impact of the project. The radio appearances formed part of the project’s broader public engagement strategy aimed at increasing awareness, encouraging stakeholder participation and promoting the adoption of the Gender-Based Violence Policy, Report and Support Framework across higher education institutions in Nigeria.‎

‎The dissemination programme reinforced Lagos State University’s position as a leading institution in advancing research, policy development and institutional collaboration aimed at creating safer, more inclusive, and gender-responsive university communities.‎‎

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