Ekiti Declares Zero Tolerance for Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions

The Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to tackling sexual harassment in tertiary institutions, declaring that anyone found guilty of such acts will face appropriate sanctions.

Dr. Oyebanji made this known 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.

She stressed that sexual harassment must never be treated with levity, warning that failure to hold offenders accountable could encourage similar misconduct and undermine the safety of students as well as the integrity of higher education institutions.

To strengthen the fight against gender-based violence, the First Lady announced plans to convene a statewide gender summit and embark on advocacy visits to tertiary institutions across Ekiti State. She explained that the initiative would educate students, lecturers and other stakeholders on gender rights, moral values and the legal consequences of sexual harassment and related offences.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ogunwole, commended Dr. Oyebanji for her commitment to the welfare of women and children.

He also praised the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for providing purposeful leadership and fostering a peaceful environment that supports sustainable development.He further applauded the Widows, Aged and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Foundation for its continued support for vulnerable women and girls through welfare programmes, protection initiatives and advocacy for girl-child education.

Prof. Ogunwole also announced that FUOYE’s 11th Convocation Ceremony is scheduled to hold in February 2027. He disclosed that the university’s Senate has approved Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji as the Convocation Lecturer in recognition of her humanitarian service, commitment to women empowerment and contributions to social development.