The Nigerian Senate has approved the Sexual Harassment of Students (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2025 (HB.1597), introducing penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment for lecturers and educators found guilty of sexually harassing students in tertiary institutions.
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Senate Leader Sen. Oyelola Ashiru, aims to end the recurring problem of lecturers demanding sex in exchange for grades or admission advantages.
Ashiru said the legislation was designed to protect students from all forms of sexual misconduct and ensure dignity and fairness in academic relationships.
He explained that the law seeks to “promote and protect ethical standards in tertiary education, the sanctity of the student-educator relationship of authority, dependency and respect for human dignity.”
Tough Penalties, No Option of Fine
The bill prescribes strict punishments for offenders, emphasizing accountability without financial escape routes. Under Clause 4 (1), (2), and (3), anyone found guilty faces up to 14 years imprisonment, with a minimum sentence of five years and no option of a fine.
Those convicted of lesser offences under Clause 4 (4), (5), and (6) will receive up to five years in prison but not less than two years, also without a fine option. “Any person who commits any of the offences or acts specified in Clause 4 (4), (5) and (6) of this Bill is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to an imprisonment term of up to 5 years but not less than 2 years, without an option of a fine,” the bill states.
Victims’ Rights and Civil Remedies
In a move seen as strengthening justice for students, the bill allows victims to file civil lawsuits against offenders for breach of fiduciary duty. The standard of proof in such cases will mirror that of civil proceedings, making it easier for victims to seek redress.
The law defines sexual harassment broadly to include unwanted sexual advances, demands for sexual favors, inappropriate touching, sexual gestures, or coercing others to commit harassment.
Debate on Expanding the Bill’s Scope
During plenary discussions, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) proposed widening the bill’s coverage beyond tertiary institutions. “There is no need to restrict sexual harassment issues to students. We should craft this law in a way that gives it universal application,” he said.
However, Deputy Senate President Sen. Jibrin Barau countered that the legislation had already passed the House of Representatives and existing workplace laws already cover other sectors. He urged lawmakers to focus the bill on protecting students in academic settings.
A Response to a Deep-Rooted Crisis
Sexual harassment remains a persistent problem in Nigerian universities and colleges. A 2018 World Bank Group survey revealed that 70% of female graduates had experienced harassment from lecturers or classmates.
“In Nigeria, 70 percent of female graduates from a sample of tertiary institutions reported having been sexually harassed, with the main perpetrators being classmates and lecturers. The effects experienced by victims were depression and perceived insecurity on campus,” the report stated.
By passing this bill, lawmakers hope to create safer learning environments and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s educational system.