A stand against abuse of power in Nigeria’s universities resounded through the Senate chamber on Wednesday as lawmakers approved a bill prescribing up to 14 years in prison for lecturers who sexually harass students.
The legislation, titled the Sexual Harassment of Students (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2025, indicates a watershed in the fight against sexual exploitation within tertiary institutions, a menace long discussed in hushed tones but rarely tackled with conviction.
Sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), the bill aims to dismantle what he described as a "culture of coercion and silence" that has eroded trust between educators and their students.
Bamidele said the law was designed to "protect students from all forms of sexual misconduct and abuse within academic environments," while reinforcing respect for human dignity and ethical standards in teaching.
"This law safeguards the sanctity of the student-educator relationship built on authority, dependency and trust. It ensures that no educator ever uses that trust as a weapon of exploitation again," he said.
Under the new law, offenders face a minimum of five years and up to 14 years' imprisonment, with no option of fine.
According to the Red Chamber, related offences attract between two and five years' jail time, also without a fine.
Offences listed in the Act include demanding or coercing sex from a student or prospective student, making unwelcome sexual advances, creating a hostile environment, or engaging in any form of sexual contact such as touching, hugging, or kissing a student.
Others include sending sexually explicit messages or photos, stalking, and making suggestive comments are also punishable.
Even indirect complicity, such as aiding or inducing another person to commit harassment, now carries criminal consequences.
The law also removes the defence of consent, stating that "it shall not be a defence that a student consented" to the act, adding that the only exception applies to legally recognised marriages.
Victims or their representatives, including family members, guardians, or legal counsel, can now file a written petition directly with the Nigerian Police Force, the Attorney-General, or a university’s Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee.
Each tertiary institution will be required to set up such a committee, empowered to investigate and adjudicate cases in line with the Act.
However, the Senate said, once a matter enters the courts, internal panels must suspend proceedings to prevent jurisdictional overlap.
The bill’s passage did not go without debate. Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) applauded its intent but argued it should also address harassment in workplaces and public institutions.
"There is no need to restrict this law to students. Sexual harassment exists everywhere, in offices, factories, and even politics. We should give this bill universal application," he said.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), who presided over the session, explained that as the legislation originated from the House of Representatives, major amendments could not be made at this stage.
Jibrin added that existing laws already address workplace harassment, while this Act specifically targets the education sector, where cases have become increasingly rampant.
With concurrence now sealed, the bill heads to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
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