Bill to curb sexual harassment in tertiary institutions passes 2nd Reading in Senate

To stem the tide of all forms of Sexual Harassment in Nigeria’s Tertiary Institutions, the Senate on Tuesday, began consideration of a bill aimed at stipulating strict penalty for randy lecturers or whoever exploits female students in higher Institutions.

In a motion sponsored by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege representing Delta Central Senatorial District alongside 57 others, Ovie described the ugly trend as a ‘breakdown of culture’ by those who ought to be mentoring younger generations not only in academics, but morally too, noting that laws must not spare them anymore.

“A bill for an Act to make provision for the Prohibition of Sexual Harassment of students by educators in Tertiary Educational institutions and for other related matters, 2016 “, Omo-Agege submitted.


Widening the scope of bill beyond educational institutions, Senator Biodun Olujimi maintained that it was not only in tertiary institutions that the trend happens, canvassing that it should be anywhere at all.

Senator Dino Melaye, however differed, stressing that female students having dressed offensively also harass their lecturers by offering to sleep with them.

“Mr President of the Senate, Distinguished Colleagues, we should also take cognizance of the fact that female students dress offensively, thereby tempting lecturers who could not resist themselves, ” Melaye noted.

He added that every educational institutions should have a dress code and insist on students observing it.


After contributions from other Senators in favour of the bill, Senate President, Bukola Saraki in his remark noted that the bill was a response to the menace in educational system, stressing that it was right time the Senate rises to the occasion. Having adopted the bill in the second reading, it was referred to the committee on judiciary and human rights.