Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has urged its students to speak out whenever they encounter cases of sexual harassment by anyone to further enable the management bring culprits to book.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that YABATECH in conjunction with Amnesty International staged a “Walk-Against Sexual Harassment and Walk-Against Sex-For-Grade” in the college.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Joe Ejiofor, the Deputy Registrar of the institution on Friday in Lagos.

It said the participants made up of members of staff, students and officials of Amnesty International moved round the college premises also shared fliers to create awareness on the ills of sexual harassment and sex-for-grade.

According to the statement, Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe, who was represented by Dr. Titilayo Ukabam, Deputy Rector (Academic) YABATECH, advised the students not to shy away from speaking out when they are sexually harassed.

“Students and youths should cultivate the courage and boldness of reporting cases of sexual harassment because it is unacceptable and that is the only way culprits can be appended.

”As management staff of this reputable institution, we frown at such illicit act, so the walk is to sensitise our students not to keep quiet when they encounter or find themselves in such mess.

”It is also more important for them not to wait until they graduate before speaking out their bitter experience, so we are open and always ready to listen to them,” she said.

The statement noted that Dr. Ukabam informed participants that the college had zero tolerance for sexual harassment and that when culprits caught, they are sanctioned appropriately.

She also noted that the college launched a policy document on sexual harassment and gender-based violence, being a policy document funded by Ford Foundation, with inputs of critical stakeholders of the college.

The statement said that Ms Masha Umeh, the representative of Amnesty International pointed out that the partnership was to create the much-needed awareness on the ills of sexual harassment.

Umeh noted that Amnesty International decided to collaborate with the college because of the great stride it had made in the fight and eradication of the menace.

According to her, the walk is to pass a strong message to culprits that the scourge is an aberration that will no longer be condoned in the institution.