The Nigerian Senate has passed, through its third reading, a bill seeking to prohibit and criminalize sexual harassment in educational institutions across the country.
The legislation, which originated from the House of Representatives, provides strict measures to protect students from sexual abuse and misconduct within learning environments. It also establishes clear legal frameworks for enforcing penalties against offenders, with violators facing up to 14 years imprisonment.
During deliberations, several lawmakers praised the bill but called for its scope to be expanded beyond the education sector.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole argued that sexual harassment is not limited to schools and should be addressed comprehensively.
> “There is no need to restrict this law to students alone. It should have a universal application,” he said.
Senator Anthony Ani echoed the sentiment, describing sexual harassment as a pervasive issue across multiple sectors of society.
> “Sexual harassment is everywhere. Limiting this bill to tertiary institutions is a misnomer,” he added.
However, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, clarified that as a concurrent bill from the House of Representatives, it could not undergo major alterations at this stage—only minor amendments. He also noted that other existing laws already address harassment in workplaces and public institutions.
After brief deliberations, the Senate passed the bill, marking a significant legislative step toward curbing sexual abuse in Nigerian schools.
Recent reports have shown alarming levels of sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions. A national survey found that 63% of female undergraduates have experienced some form of sexual misconduct from lecturers or fellow students.
Over the years, several universities have sanctioned or dismissed lecturers involved in such acts.
In 2024, a Federal University Lokoja lecturer was suspended for allegedly harassing a 300-level student.
At Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), multiple lecturers have faced dismissal since 2018 over similar offences.
In 2019, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, suspended Associate Professor Monday Igbafen over harassment allegations.
A 2024 report revealed that at least 39 lecturers have been indicted and dismissed for sexual misconduct in Nigerian tertiary institutions within five years.
Do you think this new law will help end sexual harassment in Nigerian schools? Share your thoughts in the comments.
