Ekiti First Lady declares war on sexual harassment in tertiary institutions

The Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, has pledged to intensify efforts to combat sexual harassment in tertiary institutions, warning that perpetrators will be held accountable to protect students and uphold the integrity of higher education.

 

The First Lady made the pledge while receiving the management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, at her office in Ado-Ekiti.

 

Oyebanji said sexual harassment must not be trivialised, stressing that failure to punish offenders could encourage the recurrence of such acts.

 

She also announced plans to convene a statewide gender summit and embark on advocacy visits to tertiary institutions to raise awareness and strengthen the fight against gender-based violence.

 

According to her, the initiative will educate students, lecturers and other stakeholders on moral values, gender rights, and the legal consequences of sexual harassment and related offences.

 

Earlier, the FUOYE Vice-Chancellor commended the First Lady for her contributions to women and child development, describing the Biodun Oyebanji administration as one committed to purposeful leadership, peace and stability.

 

Ogunwole also praised the Widows, Aged and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Foundation for its interventions in supporting vulnerable women and girls through welfare programmes, protection initiatives and advocacy for girl-child education.

 

He further disclosed that the university’s 11th Convocation Ceremony would hold in February 2027, adding that FUOYE’s Senate had approved Dr Oyebanji as the Convocation Lecturer in recognition of her humanitarian service, women empowerment and contributions to social development.