By: Dosunmu Paul

The practice of “Aro” has been a long standing culture among students at the University of Ibadan. The foundation of the culture remains unsure but common knowledge represents the concept to mean a form of harmless, light-hearted banter or a form of social commentary, jokes or humor made by a group of students.

To some, “Aro” is related to vices such as cat-calling, body shaming, slander, and verbal abuse. Aro generally is a culture whereby some group of students (mostly male) pass out time by making jokes and banters directed at passersby.

In the University of Ibadan, “Aro” is largely attributed to the links between Nnamdi Azikwe   and the Great Independence Halls of Residence as well as the link between Independence  and Queen Idia Halls. Students, especially females, passing through this path are often made an object of this “Aro”. They are subjected to harassment by inhabitants of the male hostels, passing comments on their dressing, their body physique or shape.

These comments are often either positive or negative. Students who engage in it see it as a way of cracking jokes or lightening the atmosphere. Notwithstanding, the negative psychological effects of the culture on its victims, particularly the females cannot be ruled out. Victims consider such comments as derogatory and dehumanizing, an outright violation of their right to personal dignity.

A practice which requires hurling abusive words, jokes or commentaries on the body of another person has definitely crossed the line of tolerance. While those who engage in it may only consider it as fun, the same may not be said for those who are at the receiving end.

Perhaps, there is the need to examine some of the negative psychological effects of this practice in order to drive home the point. Victims of verbal abuse or body shaming can descend into low self-esteem. They may have difficulty making decisions, continually seeing themselves through the mirror of those words. They may always feel like something is wrong with them. In the long run, this may lead to poor sense of self-worth, depression and in extreme cases suicide. Different persons have different sensitivity levels, what others may ignore, some may not be able to bear.

Although the act may not be strictly regarded as a legal offence, yet it remains morally reprehensible considering its effects on the victims. The derogatory words go beyond momentary embarrassment, leaving lasting emotional scars.

Female students who are constantly ridiculed begin to internalize these comments, doubting their worth and abilities. For some, psychological distress can affect their academic performance.

They find it difficult to concentrate in class, held bound by the sting of those words. In many cases, students who engage in this act are ignorant of the magnitude of the effect of those words or the harm they cause. They believe that they are being playful or honest, unaware that their words can linger like poison. Those who cannot speak back slowly withdraw themselves to avoid further shame or ridicule. This silence however only allows the cycle of abuse to continue unchecked.

It should however be noted that the culture of “Aro” is not only practiced in the University of Ibadan. The culture also finds expression in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife especially among the males living in Awo Hall, OAU. It was Fela Anikulapo Kuti who stated that “a lady who survives the Aro in Awo Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, is likely to overcome life challenges”.

This statement points to the arduous challenge posed by this culture to female students on campus. Apart from the work of ensuring that they graduate with good grades, they still have to battle with the negative effects of abusive words and banters thrown at them but couched under the guise of Aro.

Addressing this problem requires both concerted effort on the part of the University and the Students. Although the University currently has rules which prohibit harassment, these rules do not specifically address the practice of Aro.

The University must recognize the act as a form of psychological harassment deserving of punishment. There should be rules addressing the uncalled-for behavior and the rules should be enforced. The Students’ Union, Press Organizations on campus, Faculties and Student organizations on campus should sensitize students about such behavior and its negative effects on its victims . Each student also has a role to play, a simple choice to speak kindly, or to stay silent rather than mock can makea world of difference.