Sexual Harassment in Higher Institutions: A deepening crisis fueled by economic hardship, culture of silence -Ajara Ali
By Ajara Ali
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome comment, gesture, or action that makes another person feel uncomfortable, devalued, or violated.
It goes beyond physical contact—it includes coercion, inappropriate compliments on body parts, verbal abuse, threats, and manipulation.
In Nigeria’s higher institutions, what should be places of learning and intellectual growth have, for many, become unsafe environments riddled with intimidation, abuse of power, and exploitation.
Sexual harassment in universities, polytechnics, and colleges across Nigeria is a deeply rooted problem that continues to grow despite increased awareness and public condemnation. This crisis is not only a moral and institutional failure but also reflects the harsh economic realities facing the country.
As the economy struggles, the vulnerability of students, especially women, increases. Many students come from low-income households and are desperate to graduate, while some underpaid lecturers take advantage of their positions to prey on students. In such a context, harassment is often transactional, driven by economic hardship as much as by power dynamics.
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A 2018 World Bank report revealed that 70% of female graduates from Nigerian tertiary institutions had been sexually harassed by fellow students or lecturers.
This is an alarming statistic that barely scratches the surface, considering how many cases go unreported due to fear, shame, or the lack of a reliable support system. Victims are often blamed, disbelieved, or punished for speaking out. Many institutions prioritize their reputation over justice, creating a culture of silence that emboldens perpetrators and discourages victims from coming forward.
High-profile cases have drawn attention to the issue. In 2019, the BBC Africa Eye documentary “Sex for Grades” exposed how lecturers at the University of Lagos and the University of Ghana harassed students. Dr. Boniface Igbeneghu, a senior lecturer and former pastor at UNILAG, was caught on hidden camera preying on a young woman posing as a 17-year-old admission seeker.
He was suspended and later dismissed. Dr. Samuel Oladipo, another lecturer implicated in the same scandal, was also suspended. At Obafemi Awolowo University in 2018, Professor Richard Akindele was caught on audio demanding sex from student Monica Osagie. He was dismissed, prosecuted, and sentenced to two years in prison, one of the few cases where justice was visibly served.
The pattern continues across the country. At Ambrose Alli University in 2021, a lecturer was accused of raping a female student in his office. Despite public outcry, the outcome remains unclear. At the Federal University of Technology, Akure, the same year, a female student accused a senior lecturer of harassment, prompting student protests. Although the lecturer was suspended, no legal action followed.
Several cases have emerged from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where female students have reported intimidation, forced relationships, and threats of failing grades. In many cases, no action is taken because of weak disciplinary systems and fear of retaliation.
In 2024, Bauchi State University sacked a senior lecturer after multiple students reported him for sexual harassment. An internal investigation confirmed the claims, and the institution moved to terminate his appointment as a deterrent to others. While this decision was welcomed, many believe dismissal alone is not enough and that prosecution should follow. In another recent case, a student at Kaduna State University came forward with evidence of harassment by a lecturer.
The university launched an inquiry and placed the lecturer on administrative leave, pending the outcome. At the University of Calabar, the Dean of Law was suspended in 2023 after students reported multiple incidents of sexual coercion. The suspension followed a series of social media campaigns that pressured the school to take action.
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At Nasarawa State University in 2024, a final-year student committed suicide after allegedly being failed repeatedly by a lecturer who had been harassing her. The case sparked protests, but the university denied any wrongdoing on the part of its staff. Investigations are ongoing.
In the same year, students at Abia State University staged a protest after several female colleagues revealed they were asked for sex in exchange for exam clearance. The university promised reforms, but many remain skeptical about actual change.
An advocate against sexual harassment and Program Manager with Centre for Awareness on Justice and Accountability – CAJA, Barrister Maryam A. Abubakar, argues that the inconsistency in punishment is part of the problem. While some offenders are sacked, others are merely suspended, leaving room for them to repeat the offence elsewhere.
The lack of standard consequences, she says, means that justice is often superficial, and the trauma for victims continues unchecked.
Victims of sexual harassment suffer more than just academic setbacks. Many lose their self-confidence and self-esteem.
They may struggle to concentrate in class, avoid certain lecturers or courses, or even consider dropping out altogether. The psychological toll is immense and often long-lasting. Depression, anxiety, fear of public shame, and feelings of worthlessness are common experiences for survivors.
Although the 9th National Assembly passed the Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Education Institution Prohibition Bill, it was not assented by then president Muhammadu Buhari.
If signed into law, it would criminalize harassment in academic settings and establish mechanisms for redress. However, without strong enforcement and societal support, the law alone may not be enough.
Culture of silence continues to be a major obstacle. Victims are often silenced or disbelieved, while perpetrators go unpunished. Some institutions would rather cover up incidents to protect their image than support their students.
Those who dare to speak out face retaliation—failed courses, expulsion, or public humiliation. The culture of victim-blaming must end, and institutions must shift from protecting reputations to protecting students.
Solutions must begin with firm policy enforcement. Every institution should adopt zero-tolerance policies and establish independent, well-funded sexual harassment units that can investigate and act without interference. There must also be safe channels for reporting incidents, including anonymous platforms and digital whistleblowing tools.
Beyond institutional reforms, the government must address the root causes of vulnerability. This includes improving the economy, offering scholarships, paying lecturers living wages, and supporting students from low-income backgrounds.
Only by tackling both the economic and cultural enablers of sexual harassment can Nigeria hope to make its institutions truly safe for learning.
Until then, countless students—especially women—will continue to suffer in silence, with their education, dreams, and dignity hanging in the balance.
Ali, is an intern at SolaceBase
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