The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill seeking to prevent and prohibit sexual harassment of students in educational institutions and other learning environments across the country.
The legislation, which originated from the House of Representatives, aims to safeguard students from sexual misconduct and abuse while establishing a clear legal framework for enforcement and punishment of offenders.
During plenary, several senators applauded the intent of the bill but urged its expansion beyond the education sector.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole argued that the scope should be widened to cover all workplaces, saying sexual harassment is not limited to schools.
"There is no need to restrict sexual harassment issues to students. We should craft this law in a way that gives it universal application," Oshiomhole said.
Senator Anthony Ani also stressed that sexual harassment remains a nationwide issue, calling it "a misnomer" to limit the bill’s provisions to tertiary institutions.
In response, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, clarified that the bill is a concurrent legislation from the House and therefore not open to extensive debate, though amendments may still be considered.
He stated that existing laws already address harassment in workplaces and other public spaces.
After brief deliberations, the Senate unanimously passed the bill for third reading.
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