By Femi Emmanuel
The primary responsibility of lecturers in Nigeria’s higher institutions extends beyond teaching academic subjects. They are entrusted with shaping the character, discipline, and moral values of students while guiding them toward achieving their educational and career aspirations. Unfortunately, this noble responsibility has been undermined by the disturbing rise in cases of sexual harassment and exploitation involving some lecturers who prey on vulnerable students.
Over the years, Nigerian tertiary institutions have witnessed numerous allegations and scandals involving lecturers accused of intimidating, coercing, and sexually harassing students, particularly female undergraduates. Rather than serving as role models, mentors, and guardians, some lecturers—many old enough to be the parents of these students—have abused their positions of authority by demanding sexual favours in exchange for academic success.
For many victims, resisting these advances comes at a heavy cost. Fear of victimisation, deliberate failure, unfair grading, carryovers, and a declining Grade Point Average (CGPA) often compels some students to submit to these unlawful demands under duress. Such exploitation destroys the sanctity of the learning environment and leaves students traumatised, helpless, and emotionally scarred.
Those who refuse to compromise their dignity frequently face academic persecution. Some are deliberately awarded poor grades, while others are repeatedly failed in courses, forcing them to spend additional years in school. In more distressing cases, students abandon their institutions altogether and transfer elsewhere simply to escape persistent harassment and intimidation. This not only disrupts their academic journey but also imposes unnecessary financial and emotional burdens on their families.
The consequences of this shameful practice extend beyond the classroom. Reports over the years have linked some lecturers’ sexual misconduct with tragic outcomes, including violent confrontations and even deaths during illicit encounters. There have also been cases in which lecturers allegedly suffered fatal health complications after relying on unregulated herbal substances or performance-enhancing concoctions in pursuit of immoral relationships with students. While such incidents are unfortunate, they underscore the devastating consequences of abusing positions of trust.
Sexual harassment has become a stain on the reputation of Nigeria’s higher education system. It diminishes public confidence in academic institutions, discourages talented young people, and tarnishes the image of the overwhelming majority of lecturers who serve with professionalism, integrity, and dedication.
The time has come for tertiary institutions, regulatory agencies, and the government to strengthen mechanisms for preventing sexual harassment. Institutions must enforce zero-tolerance policies, encourage confidential reporting, protect whistle-blowers from retaliation, and ensure that offenders face swift and appropriate disciplinary and legal consequences. Equally important, students should be educated about their rights and empowered to report abuse without fear of victimisation.
Lecturers must also remember that education is a sacred profession built on trust, honour, and responsibility. Every educator should strive to be remembered for intellectual excellence, ethical conduct, and positive mentorship—not for scandals that destroy lives and careers.
Eradicating sexual harassment from Nigerian campuses is not merely an institutional obligation; it is a moral necessity. By restoring professionalism, accountability, and respect for human dignity, Nigeria’s higher institutions can rebuild public confidence, protect students, and preserve the integrity of the nation’s educational system for generations to come.
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