Reps Moves to Curb Sexual Harassment in Higher Institutions, Approves 14-Year Jail Term

The House of Representatives has passed a bill targeted at ad­dressing instances of sexual harassment in institutions of higher learning in Nigeria.

The bill, titled, ‘An Act to Pre­vent, Prohibit and Redress Sexual Harassment of Students in Ter­tiary Educational Institutions and for Related Matters,’ imposes stringent penalties on offenders and institutional heads who fail to act on harassment complaints.

Under the proposed law, of­fenders found guilty of sexual harassment face a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison, with a minimum of five years without the option of a fine. Ad­ditionally, heads of institutions who ignore such complaints may face up to five years in prison or a fine of N5 million.

During a briefing with jour­nalists in Abuja, Akin Rotimi, the bill’s sponsor and Spokesperson for the House, stressed the legis­lation’s intent to uphold ethical standards in higher education.

He emphasised its role in safeguarding the fiduciary rela­tionship between students and educators, promoting respect for human dignity, and creating a safe learning environment.

“The bill seeks to protect stu­dents against sexual harassment by educators, prevent incidents of such harassment, and estab­lish a process for redress,” Rotimi stated.

“Prevention of sexual harass­ment of students by educators in tertiary educational institutions; and redressal of complaints of sexual harassment of students by educators in tertiary educational institutions.”

Speaking on what constitutes a sexual offence, the bill provides that an educator shall be guilty of committing an offence or a felony of sexual harassment if he/she “engages in any form of unwel­come physical contact or verbal conduct of a sexual nature with a student or prospective student, or demands such conduct, regard­less of consent.

“Creates a hostile, offensive, or intimidating environment for a student by making unsolicited or inappropriate sexual advances, or by requesting sexual favours.

“Directs, facilitates, assists, or encourages another person to engage in any act of sexual ha­rassment as defined under this ill.

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“Displays, sends, or distrib­utes any form of sexually explicit or suggestive material, including images, videos, or objects, to a stu­dent through any medium.

“Makes verbal or non-verbal remarks, comments, or ges­tures of a sexual nature, or any remarks or conduct intended to degrade, humiliate, or body shame a student based on their physical appearance; or engages in stalking, persistent following, or any form of unwanted atten­tion directed at a student, which creates an atmosphere of fear or discomfort.”

According to the proposed leg­islation, “Any person who com­mits any of the offences or acts specified in clause 4 (1), (2) and (3) of this is guilty of an offence of felony and shall, on conviction, be sentenced to an imprisonment term of up to 14 years but not less than five years, without an option of a fine.”

The bill also provides that “an administrative head of an insti­tution who fails to comply with the provisions of sub-clauses (1) and (2) of this clause of this bill is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a min­imum fine of N5 million or im­prisonment for 5 years, or both.”

Similarly, “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.”