Instances of sexual harassment involving lecturers and students have become a growing concern in several higher institutions of learning across Nigeria. This condemnable conduct has resulted in the oppression and frustration of many female students who refuse to succumb to such advances. As a result, some have either changed institutions or faced prolonged academic tenures. Unfortunately, due to fear of backlash, many victims choose to remain silent, leading to a pervasive culture of harassment.
Several institutions have taken a stand against these acts and have dismissed culpable academics. However, despite these measures, cases of sexual harassment continue to surface, prompting widespread disquiet and compelling various stakeholders to form initiatives to address this scourge.
Gender Mobile Initiative’s Lead Director, Omowumi Ogunrotimi, highlighted the unsettling reality that educational institutions, intended to facilitate personal growth and development, have become hotbeds of abuse, particularly affecting the lives of female students. She emphasized that the issue of power-driven sexual harassment remains inadequately addressed, citing a 2018 World Bank Group survey which revealed that 70% of female graduates from Nigerian tertiary institutions have experienced sexual harassment.
Alarming statistics such as these, according to Ogunrotimi, represent the lived experiences of countless young women whose educational journeys have been marred by the insidious specter of harassment. The recent public outcry over sexual harassment, such as the allegations against the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar, Professor Cyril O Ndifo, further underscores the urgent need to address this issue.
In response to these incidents, some universities have resorted to installing Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in offices and strategic locations to monitor the conduct of lecturers towards students. While this move has been lauded for promoting transparency and instilling confidence in the institution’s commitment to safeguarding the learning environment, concerns have been raised regarding its efficacy in combatting sexual harassment.
Daniel Okereke, the Director of Communication at the American University of Nigeria, stressed the importance of creating safe and anonymous platforms for students to report incidents of sexual harassment without fear of victimization. He emphasized the need for a transparent and judicious process in investigating and sanctioning guilty parties, encompassing fair hearing and due process.
However, Professor Ben Ugheoke of the University of Abuja expressed skepticism about the efficacy of CCTV installations in addressing sexual harassment, suggesting that orientation and re-orientation about sexual harassment for both men and women is essential. He cautioned that the financial burden of maintaining CCTV systems could strain the resources of Nigerian universities, potentially rendering the endeavor futile.
In advocating for a comprehensive solution to address sexual harassment in tertiary institutions, the Gender Mobile Initiative called upon President Bola Tinubu to assent to the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill. Emphasizing the urgent need for transformative change, GMI underscored the necessity of implementing frameworks and fostering a united front against the scourge of sexual harassment.
The advent of a nationally applicable legal framework that unequivocally criminalizes sexual harassment, establishes confidential reporting channels, offers support to survivors, and outlines punitive measures is imperative. This holistic approach is vital to ensuring an enriching and empowering educational journey for everyone, particularly women and girls.
In conclusion, the widespread prevalence of sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions demands a multifaceted and resolute response to safeguard the well-being and academic pursuits of students. By adopting a comprehensive legal framework and instituting preventative measures, the nation can embark on a transformative journey towards eradicating the scourge of sexual harassment in educational settings.
Minister of Education Vows to Tackle Sexual Harassment in Nigerian Universities
The Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, has emphasised the need to address the pervasive issue of sexual harassment in Nigerian universities. In a recent statement, Professor Mamman underscored the severity of sexual harassment, labelling it as a serious criminal offence that demands decisive action. He vowed to leverage the resources of the Federal Ministry of Education to combat this issue and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
This resolute stance comes in the wake of disturbing reports of sexual harassment within institutions of higher learning. The Minister, upon receiving the committee’s report on alleged sexual harassment at the University of Calabar, issued a stern warning to members of the academia and the university community, signalling his commitment to dealing decisively with perpetrators of sexual harassment.
Drawing attention to the insidious nature of sexual harassment, Professor Mamman likened it to a cancer that must be eradicated at all costs. He stressed the imperative for unified efforts to tackle this menace, making it clear that the Ministry would not hesitate to deploy legal measures to ensure that offenders face appropriate consequences. Moreover, the Minister affirmed that the exploitation of vulnerable groups would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
This resolute stance by the Minister of Education is a decisive step towards safeguarding the educational environment, upholding the integrity of academic pursuits, and ensuring the well-being of all students. It sets a precedent for a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment within Nigerian universities, reflecting a concerted determination to eliminate this blight on the educational system.
These measures align with the broader efforts of Nigerian universities to combat sexual harassment. Dr. Gloria Ibikunle, Director of Gender at the University of Abuja, emphasised the need for a gender-responsive sexual harassment policy. Dr. Ibikunle highlighted the importance of fostering an environment where students feel confident to report incidents, assured that the university administration will uphold a zero-tolerance stance, and have faith in the anonymity and protection afforded to them.
Citing the need for a collaborative approach, Dr. Ibikunle stressed that addressing this issue requires the collective effort of the entire university system to create an environment where female students are not subjected to trauma. She asserted that it is paramount for Nigerian universities to maintain their integrity and not allow a few individuals to tarnish their reputation.
Notably, this collective determination to combat sexual harassment within Nigerian universities signifies a pivotal shift towards ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment. The concerted efforts of the Ministry of Education, alongside the commitment of academic institutions, send a clear message: the scourge of sexual harassment will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will be held accountable.
