Group Demands Sexual Harassment Policies In Varsities

The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre has hailed the
judgement of Justice Maureen Onyetenu of a Federal High Court in Osogbo
that convicted Prof Richard Akindele and sentenced him to two years in
prison , describing it as “ a lesson to others ” .

The
organisation called on Nigerian universities to put sexual harassment
policies in place and strengthen students ’ complaints mechanism.
Akindele,
a former lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile -Ife , was
sentenced to two years in prison for demanding sexual benefits from his
student, Monica Osagie .

The WARDC and its Executive Director , Dr Abiola Akiyode- Afolabi , stood for Osagie and provided free legal services for her.

Akiyode-
Afolabi , in a statement by the WARD Director of Legal Aid, Emmanuella
Azu, expressed her delight at the court verdict .

The gender activist commended Osagie for her courage despite intimidations .

She
said , “ It will serve as deterrent to other lecturers who exploit
vulnerable students and harass them sexually on campus . We therefore
call on the university authorities across the country to put sexual
harassment policies in place and strengthen students ’ complaints
mechanism.

“ The most effective ways to stop sexual harassment is
to prevent it from happening . The burden of preventing sexual
harassment rests on the school authorities, who have a duty of care for
the students . ”

She added , “ Osagie ’ s courage is already serving as inspiration for victims of sexual harassment to speak up. ”

According to her, since Akindele’ s case , there have been two reports of sexual harassment in two universities .

Akiyode-
Afolabi said , “ We have also received several calls from students who
have claims of sexual harassments. In some of the schools , no policy or
mechanism exists to prevent sexual harassment .

“ The diligent
prosecution by the ICPC , the actions of the OAU authorities , vigilance
of the women ’ s rights community and Nigerians on the matter is a
historic milestone in achieving safe spaces for women in the country .

“
The WARDC will continue to fight for the rights of the girl- child and
the elimination of all forms of violence against women.”