70% of Female Students Face GBV on Campus — National Survey Raises Alarm

A new nationwide survey has highlighted the scale of gender-based violence in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, with 70 percent of female students and 30 percent of male students reporting at least one form of abuse.

The findings were presented by Igot Ofem of the Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV) during an event marking International Women’s Day 2026 at Lagos State University.

The survey, conducted across 12 universities nationwide by the Committee of Gender Studies Directors in partnership with Alliance for Africa and Co-Impact, explored patterns of sexual harassment, dating violence, and institutional responses.

Presenting the findings, Ofem said:
“Key findings from the survey include that 70 percent of female students and 30 percent of male students have experienced at least one form of gender-based violence on campus… Sexual misconduct… is the most commonly reported form… affecting 42.2 percent of all respondents.”

The report also revealed that abuse extends beyond students, with 63 percent of female staff and 37 percent of male staff affected.

It further highlighted systemic issues, including coercion for academic favours and a lack of trust in reporting mechanisms.

“Students are being transferred… losing academic privileges… while many survivors do not come forward due to a lack of trust in institutional reporting systems,” Ofem said.

The study called for urgent reforms, including independent GBV response units and stronger institutional safeguards.

Commending ongoing efforts at Lagos State University, Ofem noted that the institution has introduced a GBV response centre and integrated GBV education into its curriculum.

Vice Chancellor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, in a message delivered on her behalf, stressed the broader implications.

“Every woman and girl has a right to safety, dignity and mental wellbeing… It is our collective responsibility… to change these narratives.”

She added that the rights of women and girls are “not optional… but fundamental human rights” that must be protected across all spaces, including universities.

Africans Angle News