A recent National Campus Climate Baseline Survey has shed a sobering light on the state of safety within Nigeria’s higher education system, revealing that 70 percent of female students and 30 percent of male students have experienced at least one form of gender-based violence on campus. The report, which was unveiled during a media briefing at Lagos State University to mark International Women’s Day 2026, highlights a deeply rooted crisis that affects not just students, but staff as well.
Professor Igot Ofem, the Acting Director of the Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, explained that the study was a collaborative effort involving the Committee of Gender Studies Directors in Nigerian Universities and Alliance for Africa. The research spanned 12 universities across the country’s six geopolitical zones, providing a comprehensive look at everything from dating violence to institutional responses.
The reach of this issue extends into the professional lives of university employees, with 63 percent of female staff and 37 percent of male staff reporting similar experiences. The most common grievances involve unwanted physical contact, verbal abuse, stalking, and inappropriate comments—behaviors that currently affect over 42 percent of the campus population.
Perhaps the most distressing part of the report involves the systemic barriers survivors face. Many students have reportedly been forced to transfer between institutions, losing academic standing, or have been coerced into sexual exchanges in return for grades. Despite these violations, a vast majority of survivors remain silent. The reason is a fundamental lack of trust in the very systems designed to protect them, often fueled by the fear of being shamed or stigmatized.
The findings have sparked an urgent call for university administrations nationwide to move beyond paperwork. The report suggests the establishment of independent response units and truly confidential reporting channels. Professor Ofem pointed to Lagos State University as a blueprint for this change, noting that the institution has already integrated gender-based violence prevention into its General Nigerian Studies curriculum and established a dedicated safe space for survivors.
Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, emphasized in a statement that justice for women and girls is not an optional or secondary concern. She argued that true justice goes beyond the courtroom; it is about creating an environment where a survivor feels safe enough to speak up and knows they will be taken seriously.
Ultimately, the survey serves as a reminder that the safety and dignity of everyone on campus is a collective responsibility. Whether it is through policy changes or a shift in campus culture, the goal is to ensure that no student has to choose between their education and their personal safety.
