Do not shake hands anyhow, UNILAG warns female students in anti-rape advisory

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has issued a set of counselling tips for female students aimed at preventing sexual harassment and rape on campus, including a warning against indiscriminate handshakes with men.

The advisory, issued through the institution’s Student Affairs Division on Monday, was displayed on a roll-up banner within the university and outlined several precautionary measures for female students.

One of the prominent messages on the banner read: “Do not shake hands anyhow with any man.”

The advisory also cautioned female students about their dressing, interactions with men, consumption of intoxicants and staying alone with men in secluded places.

It read: “Do not dress to kill.

“Do not shake hands anyhow with any man.

“Do not mingle carelessly with men.

“Do not stay alone with a man in a hidden place.

“Do not seek unnecessary favour from men.

“Do not join to watch pornographic film/pictures.

“Do not accept intoxicants and be vigilant when you are served with drinks.

“Do not give in to pressure – be assertive.

“Learn to say no. One-time sex can cause you pregnancy; if you don’t want it, don’t try it.”

According to the Student Affairs Division, the guidance forms part of its counselling efforts to educate female students on personal safety and ways of reducing the risk of sexual harassment and rape on campus.

The advisory comes against the backdrop of reported cases of sexual assault and rape within the university community.

In April, a 20-year-old undergraduate of the institution told an Ikeja High Court that she was allegedly raped by her lecturer, Dr Samuel Ojogbo.

The student made the allegation while testifying during proceedings and being led in evidence by State Counsel, Mr Owolabi Azeez.

She told the court that the alleged incident occurred on August 22, 2025, in the lecturer’s underground office within the university premises.

According to the student, the lecturer had engaged her during an examination on August 21 before asking her to meet him after the paper.

“I said yes, I knew a section better. He told me not to worry and to see him after the exam,” she said.

The undergraduate said she subsequently visited his office twice but did not meet him until the following day during another examination supervised by the lecturer.

“After the exam, I saw him, and he asked me to wait,” she told the court.

The latest advisory forms part of counselling and awareness initiatives aimed at promoting students’ safety within the university community.