In the past five years, a staggering 39 lecturers in Nigerian tertiary institutions have been implicated and dismissed for sexual misconduct, according to an analysis of media reports by The PUNCH. This disturbing trend of sexual harassment has plagued higher education in Nigeria, with a 2018 survey by the World Bank Group’s Women revealing that 70% of female graduates from tertiary institutions in the country experienced sexual harassment, often at the hands of classmates and lecturers.
Despite efforts to address this issue, such as the Senate passing a bill in 2021 that stipulated 21 years imprisonment for offending lecturers, the reality is that many of those found guilty were simply fired. Cases like the indefinite suspension of a professor at Obafemi Awolowo University in 2018 and the dismissal of three lecturers in 2021 for sexual harassment highlight the pervasive nature of this problem.
From Ambrose Ali University to the University of Lagos, and even the Federal Polytechnic in Bauchi, numerous institutions have taken action against lecturers involved in sexual misconduct. These cases range from suspensions to dismissals, with some even facing criminal charges for their actions.
The impact of these incidents on survivors cannot be understated. Many students are afraid to come forward due to fear of victimization and other repercussions. Organizations like Reform Education Nigeria and the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation are calling for stronger measures to protect survivors and create a safe reporting system within universities.
As the nation grapples with this ongoing crisis, it is crucial for President Bola Tinubu to sign the sexual harassment bill into law. This step, along with building trust between university management and students, is essential in creating a survivor-centered response system that prioritizes the well-being of those affected by sexual misconduct.
The fight against sexual harassment in Nigerian universities is far from over, but with continued advocacy and action, there is hope for a safer and more inclusive educational environment for all.
