FUTA Steps Up Fight Against Sexual Exploitation, Ritual Abuse on Campus

The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has stepped up its campaign to safeguard female students from sexual exploitation, ritual abuse, and other forms of gender-based violence, amid growing concerns over the rising trend of such incidents across the country.

At a sensitisation seminar organised by the university’s Guidance and Counselling Unit under the Students Affairs Division, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, raised the alarm over the increasing cases of ritualistic abuse and exploitation of young women, often fuelled by negative peer pressure, societal expectations, and digital manipulation.

Oladiji warned that the pursuit of success at any cost, especially among youth, has led to poor decisions with lifelong consequences. She advised female students to be mindful of the kind of relationships they form, particularly online, and urged them to avoid situations that could expose them to harm.

“This is not just about being ambitious,” she said, “it is about being wise and discerning. The friends you make, the choices you take — they matter.”

The vice-chancellor also called on the government to strengthen existing laws against rape, stalking, organ trafficking, and other sexual offences, noting that enforcement gaps continue to endanger lives, especially those of young women.

Delivering a lecture on “Strategies for Protection and Prevention Against Ritualistic Abuse”, Mr Yemi Agbede, Safe School Coordinator of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), outlined a number of protective strategies, including public awareness, community engagement, self-defence training, and digital safety education. He noted that while women are most affected, men are also at risk and should not be left out of preventive efforts.

Agbede encouraged students to speak up and make use of the school’s counselling unit for both preventive and responsive support.

On her part, the Chief Nursing Officer of FUTA’s Health Centre, Mrs Omolola Osunmakinwa, expressed concern over the increasing rate at which young women engage in egg donation for financial reasons. She said many are doing so without proper medical supervision, exposing themselves to long-term health complications.

According to her, economic hardship, lack of awareness, and pressure from fertility agents are major contributors to this trend. She recommended the creation of reproductive health centres within campuses to educate students on sensitive issues and discourage unethical practices.

Also speaking, Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Olanrewaju Oke, said the institution is fully committed to protecting its students from abuse and exploitation. He emphasised that beyond condemnation, the university is focused on prevention through awareness, education, and empowerment.

“Students must be equipped with the tools to navigate a world that increasingly preys on the vulnerable. Knowledge, vigilance, and support systems are our strongest defence,” he said.

The seminar is part of FUTA’s broader effort to foster a safe learning environment and ensure that students, especially females, are informed, protected, and empowered.