Reps Pass Tertiary Institutions Sexual Harassment Bill, Propose 14-Year Jail Term for Offenders
The House of Representatives has passed a bill aimed at preventing and addressing sexual harassment in tertiary educational institutions, proposing a prison term of up to 14 years for offenders.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
In a significant legislative move, the House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a crucial bill aimed at preventing and addressing sexual harassment in tertiary educational institutions. This marks the third time the bill has been brought before the House, reflecting a growing commitment to uphold ethical standards and protect students in academic environments.
The newly passed bill proposes severe penalties for offenders, including a prison term of up to 14 years for those convicted of sexual harassment. Additionally, it mandates a five-year imprisonment term or a fine of N5 million for heads of institutions who neglect to act on reported complaints of harassment by students.
Akin Rotimi, the bill's sponsor and spokesperson for the House, emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “It is enacted to promote and protect ethical standards in tertiary education, the sanctity of the student-educator fiduciary relationship of authority, dependency, and trust, and respect for human dignity in tertiary educational institutions.”
The bill outlines clear provisions for the protection of students against sexual harassment perpetrated by educators. It focuses on preventing such acts and provides mechanisms for redressing complaints made by students regarding harassment.
The legislation defines sexual harassment as any unwelcome physical contact or verbal conduct of a sexual nature directed at a student or prospective student. It also includes the creation of a hostile or intimidating environment through unsolicited sexual advances or requests for sexual favors.
Moreover, the bill states that educators who engage in various forms of sexual misconduct—such as displaying sexually explicit materials or making degrading remarks—can be convicted of a felony, facing imprisonment of no less than 5 years and up to 14 years, without an option for a fine.
Administrative heads of institutions who fail to comply with the bill's provisions will also face legal repercussions. They may incur a minimum fine of N5 million or serve a five-year prison sentence, or both.
This legislation is seen as a vital step towards ensuring a safer and more respectful environment for students across Nigeria's tertiary institutions, aiming to eradicate sexual harassment and protect the integrity of the educational system.
