Mounting Alarm As Reports Of Sexual Harassment Involving Lecturers At Nigerian Universities

Mounting Alarm As Reports Of Sexual Harassment Involving Lecturers At Nigerian Universities....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In 2018, a survey by the World Bank uncovered a troubling reality: 70% of female graduates from Nigerian universities reported encountering sexual harassment during their academic years. Notably, lecturers were frequently implicated alongside fellow students in these incidents.

The prevalence of sexual harassment has garnered significant media attention in recent years, spotlighting numerous cases nationwide. In 2023, several lecturers faced suspension or dismissal from universities in Lagos, Abuja, and Calabar due to allegations of sexual misconduct. Despite the introduction of a bill in 2021 proposing a 21-year prison sentence for such offenses, many perpetrators continue to escape significant repercussions.

The problem is exacerbated by underreporting and victim-blaming, complicating efforts to address this pervasive issue. Here are some notable cases involving lecturers accused of sexual harassment:

• In April 2018, Richard Oladele, a professor at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, was indefinitely suspended over allegations of sexual harassment.
• In 2021, three lecturers from various departments at the same university were dismissed for engaging in sexual harassment.
• In February 2020, Monday Omo-Etan, a lecturer at a distance learning center, was suspended for sexually molesting a student.
• In 2019, Ambrose Ali University suspended associate professor Monday Igbafen following allegations of sexual harassment.
• In September 2020, Imo State University suspended two lecturers for alleged sexual misconduct.
• In February 2021, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, suspended a lecturer for similar allegations.
• In June 2021, a lecturer at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, was suspended for sexual misconduct.
• The University of Lagos recently terminated the employment of two lecturers for similar offenses.
• In August, a lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt was dismissed for sexual misconduct.
• In October 2021, the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, dismissed two lecturers for sexual misconduct.
• Ignatius Ajuru University of Education dismissed a lecturer for impregnating a student.
• In December 2021, Kwara State University dismissed a lecturer over harassment allegations.
• In January 2022, Elechi Amadi Polytechnic dismissed a lecturer following harassment reports.
• In April 2022, OAU initiated an investigation into claims of sexual harassment involving a professor, resulting in the dismissal of two professors.
• In June 2022, the University of Abuja terminated two professors for sexual misconduct.
• In early 2023, Dr. Balogun Olaniran from Tai Solarin University of Education faced charges of soliciting sexual favors from a student.
• In March 2023, a lecturer at Kogi State Polytechnic was terminated for sexual harassment.
• In May, Ambrose Alli University terminated a lecturer over sexual misconduct allegations.
• In July 2023, UNIABUJA dismissed two lecturers for sexual harassment.
• In August, the University of Calabar suspended the Dean of the Faculty of Law over sexual harassment accusations.
• On September 7, 2023, the University of Lagos suspended a lecturer accused of rape.
• In October 2023, the Federal College of Forestry in Plateau State suspended four lecturers over sexual harassment allegations involving female students.

Amidst these challenges, Ayodamola Oluwatoyin of Reform Education Nigeria urges President Bola Tinubu to sign the sexual harassment bill into law, emphasizing the need to create safer environments for students. Nafisa Atiku-Adejuwon, former Programme Manager for Gender Justice at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, underscores the importance of proactive institutional measures to protect survivors and foster trust between authorities and students.

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