A STEP TOWARDS SAFER CAMPUSES AT GODFREY OKOYE UNIVERSITY!

On April 14, 2025, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, took a bold step towards fostering a safer and more respectful campus environment. The Sexual Awareness Conference, organised by the Vice President of the Council of Honour (COHON), Miss Deborah Ogbonna, and her fellow female COHON members, brought together 100 and 200 level students for a powerful and eye-opening session.

Graced by the Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, and the Director of Student Mentorship and Parent Relations, Lady Jane Kalu Ndukwe, the conference created a safe space for students to lead the conversation on sexual harassment, its meaning, warning signs, prevention strategies, and how to respond effectively.

Students were given anonymous suggestion papers to express their concerns and expectations, while a dedicated email channel was launched to encourage confidential reporting.

A highlight of the event was the Vice-Chancellor’s announcement of the immediate establishment of a Gender Protection Office under the Council of Honour, fully funded by his office, a clear sign of leadership committed to action.

Key recommendations from the session included:

Hosting sensitization meetings with parents to encourage open communication with their children

Raising community-wide awareness on the university’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment

Proper screening of student mentors before assigning them to mentees

Promoting solidarity among female students to support one another

Acknowledging that boys also experience harassment and must be equally supported

The second phase of the conference is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, for 300 to 500 level students, with a separate programme for male students to follow.

Godfrey Okoye University continues to take meaningful steps to ensure that every student is protected, valued, and heard.