Sexual Harassment in Schools Punishable by 14-Year Imprisonment — Senate
The Senate has approved the Sexual Harassment of Students (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2025, which prescribes up to 14 years imprisonment without the option of a fine for educators convicted of sexually harassing students in tertiary institutions.
Presented by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the bill aims to curb the long-standing “sex-for-grades’’ abuse in Nigerian universities and protect students from exploitation. Offences covered include demanding sexual favours, making advances, inducing others to harass students, and unwanted touching.
The bill states that consent is not a defense where a student-educator relationship exists, except in cases of legal marriage. Students may also pursue civil action for breach of trust. Reports can be filed by affected persons, relatives, or concerned persons with the Police, Attorney-General, and school committees.
Some lawmakers called for expanding the bill beyond campuses, but it passed as presented.
This law aligns with the Child Rights Act, reinforcing protection for children in higher institutions and affirming every child’s right to safety, dignity, and freedom from sexual abuse and exploitation.
