Today, November 25, 2025, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) joined the global community in commemorating the 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an annual international campaign which runs from November 25 to December 10.
With the theme: Orange UNILAG, Orange the World, the initiative underscores the university’s renewed commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and gender-responsive environment for all.
As one of Nigeria’s premier institutions of higher learning, UNILAG has remained steadfast in championing social responsibility, academic excellence, and community development. Through the UNILAG Safeguarding Centre led by Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, the institution continues to strengthen structures that promote physical, mental, and digital safety for students, staff, and visitors. The Centre plays a vital role in handling reports of harassment, bullying, abuse, and other forms of exploitation, while providing confidential support services and capacity-building initiatives across campus.
Recent findings from a national survey published in BMC Public Health (2024) highlight the urgency of sustained intervention. The survey, involving 30,114 students across 18 Nigerian tertiary institutions, revealed that 37% of students reported experiences of sexual violence, with female students being twice as likely to be affected. These statistics underscore the need for coordinated responses within academic communities.
This year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign at UNILAG seeks to:
• Raise awareness on the prevalence and impact of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) within and beyond the university community.
• Engage students, faculty leadership, and stakeholders in prevention and advocacy efforts.
• Mobilize resources for survivor-centered support services, community engagement, and educational initiatives.
• Strengthen long-term institutional commitment to gender equality and safe learning environments.
Key Activities scheduled include:
• Campaign Launch & Press Briefing: Opening ceremony featuring official statements and media engagement.
• Campus Illumination: Lighting of key UNILAG landmarks in orange, symbolizing solidarity with survivors and the global movement.
• Educational Workshops: Interactive sessions on recognizing GBV, survivor support, legal rights, empowerment, and mental health.
• Digital Advocacy: Daily online actions, webinars infographics, survivor stories, and mobilization using hashtags #OrangeTheWorld and #OrangeUnilag.
• Creative Expressions: A “Writing on the Wall of Hope” event and an art exhibition on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
• Closing Ceremony: featuring keynote addresses by university leadership, guest advocates, and partners on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
For the Vice Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, this year’s inspirational celebration forms a rallying point for the University Community: staff and students, to formally commit to a Zero-Tolerance Policy on Gender-Based Violence across the university and launch of a simplified version of the policy on sexual Harassment.
Target audiences for the campaign include students, Deans of Faculty, academic and non-academic staff, the local community, partner organizations, embassies, media, and policymakers.
Through this campaign, UNILAG aims to reach over 10,000 students, deepen understanding of GBV, and reinforce institutional and community resilience against all forms of violence. Expected outcomes include improved awareness, enhanced prevention and intervention capacity, stronger advocacy networks, and a lasting commitment to gender justice within and beyond the campus.
