The House of Representatives has passed a bill aimed at preventing and addressing sexual harassment in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The proposed legislation seeks to protect students from sexual exploitation by educators and other authority figures, addressing a longstanding issue in the nation’s educational system.
The bill, reintroduced by Akintunde Rotimi (APC, Ekiti), builds on an earlier version passed by the Senate during the 9th Assembly but which failed to secure concurrence or presidential assent. It defines “educators” broadly to include academic and non-academic staff, as well as students in supervisory roles, and establishes clear guidelines to prevent abuse of authority in institutions.
National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) President Lucky Emenife praised the bill, describing it as a “new dawn” for tertiary education in Nigeria. He urged the Senate to expedite its concurrence, emphasizing that it would create safer learning environments and restore academic integrity.
The bill emerged amidst growing public outcry over the inadequacy of current institutional and legal mechanisms to address sexual harassment. Stakeholders argue that internal mechanisms in schools often lack effectiveness, leaving students vulnerable.
Critics, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), have expressed concerns, arguing that the bill could interfere with university autonomy and unfairly target educators. ASUU also contends that existing laws like the Criminal Code and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act provide sufficient legal coverage.
However, proponents of the bill, including Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, counter that existing laws lack specific provisions to address harassment within tertiary institutions. They assert that the bill strengthens accountability while reinforcing the core values of higher education.
If passed, the legislation would empower institutions to address sexual harassment more effectively, bridging gaps in enforcement and fostering safer academic environments nationwide.