By Atoyebi Nike
The Senate has passed the Sexual Harassment of Students (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2025, which recommends prison terms of up to 14 years for educators convicted of sexually harassing students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The bill, sponsored by Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Ashiru, seeks to curb persistent cases of lecturers coercing students for grades, admissions or other academic benefits.
Ashiru said the legislation is designed to safeguard students from sexual misconduct and uphold ethical standards in higher education. The bill outlines strict penalties. Offenders under Clause 4 (1) to (3) face between five and 14 years in prison, while those found guilty under Clause 4 (4) to (6) risk two to five years, all without the option of a fine.
The bill also gives students the right to file civil claims for breach of fiduciary duty. Offences listed include demanding sexual favours, making advances, inducing others to participate in harassment and unwanted touching.
During debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole urged lawmakers to broaden the bill to cover all forms of sexual harassment, not only in academia. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau responded that workplace laws already address other environments and that the Senate was considering the House-approved version for concurrence.
Sexual harassment remains widespread in Nigerian universities. A 2018 World Bank survey found that 70 percent of female graduates had experienced harassment from classmates or lecturers, with many reporting depression and feelings of insecurity on campus.
