In commemoration of the International Women’s Day 2026 celebration, Alliances for Africa (AfA), in collaboration with the Centre for Gender Studies, Imo State University, on Friday, March 13, launched the findings of a baseline survey on sexual harassment in Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions.
The survey conducted under National Campus Climate Baseline Survey on Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, included Imo State University (IMSU) among twelve institutions selected for the pilot phase.
During a press conference and visit to the university’s management, the Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, Dr. Ngozi Chuma‑Umeh, said the newly released data exposes the prevalence of sexual harassment across Nigeria’s public universities. She explained that the survey aimed to establish a comprehensive baseline on the issue nationwide.
According to her, the findings revealed that many students seeking education and better opportunities are subjected to intimidation, coercion, and various forms of sexual and gender-based violence. She added that many survivors often refuse to speak out due to distrust, fear for their safety, and the absence of confidential reporting channels.
Chuma-Umeh urged universities "to prioritize the safety and dignity of their communities" in order to change the narrative surrounding sexual harassment and gender-based violence on campuses.
She also commended IMSU for its efforts to discourage such acts and for taking steps to bring perpetrators to justice.
The director further called on the federal and Imo State governments to introduce policies that would ensure the prevention of gender-based abuses, provide support for survivors, and enforce strict punishment for offenders both on campuses and beyond.
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor of IMSU, Prof. Uchefula Ugonna Chukwumaeze, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Martin Onu, commended AfA and the university’s Centre for Gender Studies for championing human rights protection.
He reiterated that the institution maintains zero tolerance for sexual harassment and abuse across genders, noting that the university has mechanisms in place to address such issues, including a disciplinary committee.
Onu also disclosed plans to introduce a Gender Studies course into the university’s curriculum as part of its commitment to tackling sexual harassment and promoting gender awareness. He called for stronger collaboration between the university and AfA.
Also speaking, Prof. Sam Ezeanyika of the Political Science Department at IMSU and Board Secretary of AfA expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the engagement. He said the interaction demonstrated the university’s commitment to combating sexual and human rights abuses. He welcomed the proposed introduction of a gender studies course, noting that it would have a lasting impact on students.
In her remarks, Doris Ekechukwu, Communications Assistant at AfA, described the organization as a feminist-led non-governmental organization that champions human rights protection, promotes women’s participation in leadership and governance, and advocates for gender justice.
She stressed the need for stronger action against sexual harassment and other human rights violations while commending the Centre for Gender Studies and the university leadership for their efforts to address the problem.
The event concluded with a sensitization rally across the university campus, where participants called for respect for human rights, encouraged survivors to speak out about their experiences, and advocated a united response against perpetrators of sexual harassment.
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