The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has issued a fresh anti-rape advisory for female students, urging them to adopt precautionary measures aimed at reducing the risk of sexual harassment and assault on campus.
The guidance, displayed on a roll-up banner by the university’s Student Affairs Division, surfaced on Monday and quickly drew public attention, with one of its most prominent messages advising female students: “Do not shake hands anyhow with any man.”
The advisory comes amid ongoing concerns over reported cases of sexual harassment and rape within the university community and forms part of the institution’s counselling and student welfare initiatives.
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Other recommendations on the banner urge students not to “dress to kill,” avoid mingling carelessly with men, refrain from staying alone with a man in secluded places, avoid seeking unnecessary favours from men, decline intoxicating substances, remain vigilant when served drinks, be assertive and learn to say “no.”
According to the Student Affairs Division, the guidance is designed to educate female students on personal safety and ways to reduce the risk of sexual harassment and rape while on campus.
The advisory has generated discussion online, with some observers supporting efforts to improve students’ safety awareness, while others argue that greater emphasis should be placed on preventing sexual violence through stronger institutional safeguards and accountability for offenders.
The renewed attention comes as UNILAG continues to face scrutiny over past allegations of sexual misconduct within its community.
In April, a 20-year-old undergraduate told an Ikeja High Court that she was allegedly raped by a lecturer, Dr. Samuel Ojogbo, inside his office in August 2025. The case remains before the court.
In 2019, the Lagos State Government also arraigned five students of the university over the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old student.
The latest advisory has once again placed the spotlight on campus safety and the broader conversation about preventing sexual violence in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
