- A UNILAG counselling advisory encouraging female students to avoid actions such as accepting gifts from men, watching pornography with men and staying alone with men has gone viral on social media.
- While some Nigerians praised the advice as practical safety guidance, others argued that the focus should be on addressing perpetrators of sexual harassment rather than placing the burden on women.
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has sparked mixed reactions online after a counselling advisory aimed at female students began circulating on social media. The notice, issued by the university’s Student Affairs Division, contains tips on avoiding sexual harassment and rape.
The advisory, titled “Counselling Tips for Ladies,” urges female students to avoid certain situations they believe could increase vulnerability. Among the recommendations are:
“Stop shaking hands anyhow with men.”
“Mingle carelessly with men.”
“Stay alone with a man in a hidden place.”
“Accept gifts frequently from men.”
“Seek unnecessary favour from men.”
“Join to watch pornographic film/pictures.”
“Accept intoxicants and be vigilant when you are served with drinks.”
“Give in to pressure – be assertive.”
“Learn to say no!”
The notice has generated widespread discussion on social media, with opinions divided over whether the advice promotes personal safety or places too much responsibility on women instead of addressing perpetrators of sexual harassment.
Some reactions below:
@IbadanTweets: “But they can watch p0rn on their own abi 😒.”
@AbuUbayy1: “They’re 100% correct! Moral decadence is now being celebrated as normality.”
@lagoschief: “Maybe dem don put Muslim man as VC.”
@mistakells: “At this rate, the next circular will be; Stop breathing around men 😭.”
@Timidey4you: “Will they listen?”
@manuelwealth001: “UNILAG is supporting GehGeh advice with style 😂. But those gender will not listen to UNILAG last last.”
@its_Miguel04: “They should just ban offering men admission. So that the females can have peace of mind.”
@Adewumi179904: “I no gree with the last one, you wan block their source of means 😂.”
@NadyGreenHQ: “There’s a hidden message behind this. It’s not about shaking hands oh. Who else has understood it? Lagos ehn kai 🤦.”
