Last Updated on July 23, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Olaoye Oyewole & Tayo Onayemi
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), today, July 22, 2026, officially launched the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund)-sponsored Stop Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions (SHITI) Project, a research initiative designed to address sexual harassment in higher institutions through research, stakeholder engagement, digital innovation and policy advocacy.
In his speech while launching the project, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, described sexual harassment as a global challenge that demands collective responsibility and proactive prevention. He noted that although the menace might not be as prevalent in FUNAAB as in some other institutions, it should never be overlooked.
Represented by the Director, Directorate of Research, Innovations and Partnerships (DRIP), Prof. Oluwagbemiga Adeleye, the
Vice-Chancellor emphasised that sexual harassment affects both men and women and called on members of the University Community to uphold ethical conduct, mutual respect and accountability. He commended the multidisciplinary research team for spearheading the initiative and expressed confidence that the project would strengthen institutional policies and contribute meaningfully to the prevention of sexual harassment in tertiary institutions.
Earlier in her Welcome Address, the Director, Institute of Communication and General Studies (ICGNS), Prof. Remi Aduradola, expressed appreciation to the University Management, TETFund, development partners and members of the research team for their invaluable support towards the successful commencement of the project.
Prof. Aduradola, who is also the Principal Investigator and Research Team Lead, described sexual harassment as a growing societal challenge affecting all levels of education and explained that the SHITI Project seeks to generate evidence-based solutions through rigorous research, stakeholder collaboration and digital innovation. She traced the project’s origin to a research proposal development training held in 2021, explaining that years of collaboration, planning and proposal writing culminated in the successful award of the TETFund research grant. She also encouraged researchers to embrace collaboration as a pathway to impactful research and innovation.
Delivering the Opening Remarks, the Director of Administration and Supply, Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Idowu Kehinde, commended FUNAAB, the research team and stakeholders for initiating the timely intervention. She described sexual harassment as a violation of human dignity that undermines academic excellence and students’ well-being, stressing that no student should be subjected to harassment while pursuing education.
Mrs. Kehinde disclosed that the Ogun State Government had developed a Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) Policy for tertiary institutions, which is currently awaiting the Governor’s approval. She added that the Ministry has continued to coordinate Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Referral Centres across the State to provide medical, psychosocial and legal support for survivors, while calling for sustained collaboration to promote safe and inclusive learning environments.
In his Goodwill Message, the representative of the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajunni, the Divisional Police Officer, FUNAAB/Harmony Police Station, SP Michael Olajide, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to combating sexual harassment and other forms of gender-based violence. He urged victims to report incidents promptly and assured stakeholders of the Police Force’s continued collaboration with institutions in ensuring justice and accountability.
A major highlight of the programme was the presentation of the SHITI Project by Prof. Aduradola, who outlined its objectives, methodology, expected outcomes and the roles of various stakeholders. Participants also engaged in an interactive session, where they offered recommendations on strengthening institutional policies, improving reporting mechanisms and fostering greater collaboration among relevant stakeholders.
Other dignitaries at the event included Mrs. Abati Omolabake, Social Welfare Officer, Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development; Mr. Christopher Soyeke, Assistant to the Legal Director of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) Corps; staff and students of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta International School (FUNIS); representatives of partner organisations, security agencies and members of the research team.
