back to top

Reps Okay 14 Years Jail Term for Sexual Harassment in Nigerian Universities

Share

The House of Representatives has passed a bill imposing a 14-year prison sentence for educators convicted of sexual harassment.

The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Prevent, Prohibit and Redress Sexual Harassment of Students in Tertiary Educational Institutions,” passed its third reading in the House on Wednesday, marking a significant victory for students and advocates fighting against misconduct in schools.

The bill seeks to not only punish offenders but also hold institutional heads accountable.

According to the bill, if any head of a tertiary institution fails to address complaints of sexual harassment from students, they could face up to five years in prison or a fine of N5 million.

Speaking to the press, Akin Rotimi, the sponsor of the bill and spokesperson for the House of Representatives, described the new legislation as essential for protecting students in tertiary institutions.

Related Posts

“This bill aims to promote and protect ethical standards in tertiary education,” Rotimi stated.

He emphasized that the bill addresses the “fiduciary relationship of authority, dependency, and trust” between students and educators, highlighting its role in safeguarding human dignity within educational spaces.

Rotimi added that the legislation seeks to provide students with a safe environment free from harassment, which he noted has been a longstanding issue across Nigeria’s higher education system.

Under this bill, educators are prohibited from engaging in “unwelcome physical contact or verbal conduct of a sexual nature” with students.

It further bans any conduct that creates an intimidating or hostile environment, which Rotimi noted has been a barrier to education for countless students who have suffered in silence.

The bill also defines specific actions that would constitute sexual harassment in educational settings.

According to the bill, any educator who “demands sexual conduct, regardless of consent” from a student will be considered guilty of an offense.

The bill clarifies that even a request for sexual favors or unsolicited sexual advances would fall under its scope, ensuring students are protected from such pressures.

Rotimi explained that the bill aims to address a wide range of misconduct to ensure students’ rights and well-being are upheld.

He stated, “This bill provides for the protection of students against sexual harassment by educators and for redressal when complaints arise.”

Related Posts

In addition, the legislation explicitly bans any educator from displaying or distributing sexually suggestive or explicit materials to students.

The bill lists severe consequences for any educator who attempts to body-shame, degrade, or humiliate a student based on their physical appearance.

By doing so, it aims to prevent any form of verbal or non-verbal behavior that could harm the self-esteem or safety of a student.

Moreover, the bill includes provisions against stalking.

It prohibits any persistent or unwanted attention directed at students by educators that could create an atmosphere of discomfort or fear.

Rotimi expressed hope that the bill’s passage would mark a turning point for students’ safety across Nigeria’s universities and colleges.

“Students have endured years of suffering under exploitative educators who misuse their authority,” he noted.

“We want students to know that their lawmakers stand with them in this fight.”

According to the bill, any educator convicted of committing these offenses will face a prison sentence ranging from five to 14 years, without the option of a fine.

Rotimi explained that this strict penalty underscores the House’s determination to end a pervasive problem in the education sector.

In addition to the penalties for educators, the bill places significant responsibility on heads of institutions.

If a head of an institution neglects a student’s complaint or refuses to comply with the bill’s provisions, they could face five years in prison or be fined N5 million.

These penalties for institutional leaders aim to break the cycle of negligence that has allowed harassment to persist in Nigerian institutions.

The bill also seeks to deter sexual harassment by including provisions that allow for five-year prison sentences or two-year minimum sentences for lesser offenses, such as unwanted physical advances or persistent harassment.

This provision, according to Rotimi, is intended to cover instances where actions may not involve physical assault but still create an uncomfortable or unsafe atmosphere for students.

Student advocates across Nigeria have praised the House’s decision, hailing it as a monumental step toward safer learning environments.

Civil society groups have also voiced their support, with many highlighting that the bill could lead to greater accountability and transparency within the education sector.

They noted that this legislation could set an example across other sectors, where abuse of authority often goes unchecked.

For students who have experienced harassment, this bill is a promise of justice, bringing hope to many who feared their complaints would remain ignored.

With this bill, students can now rely on legal protections to defend their right to learn in a safe and respectful environment.

Related Posts

As it awaits Senate approval, the bill has ignited a renewed conversation on the need for accountability within Nigeria’s education system.

If passed by the Senate and signed into law, the bill would require all tertiary institutions to implement strict measures against sexual harassment.

Institutions would also need to establish clear channels for students to report incidents without fear of reprisal.

Read more

Local News