Over 50 Lecturers Face Sanctions as Nigerian Tertiary Institutions Tackle Sex-for-Grades Scourge

In a concerted effort to uphold academic integrity and protect students, Nigerian universities and polytechnics have intensified actions against lecturers involved in sex-for-grades scandals. Over the past five years, at least 35 lecturers have been dismissed for sexual misconduct, highlighting a systemic issue within the nation’s higher education system.

The Federal Government has mandated the establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in tertiary institutions to provide timely intervention and support for survivors. Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, emphasized the need for these centers to address cases of harassment and gender-based violence on campuses.

Notably, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) dismissed two senior lecturers, Dr. Boniface Igbeneghu and Dr. Samuel Oladipo, following their exposure in a BBC Africa Eye documentary that unveiled sexual harassment practices in West African universities.

Institutions like the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), have also taken a firm stance against sexual harassment. UNN’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Igwe, reiterated the university’s zero-tolerance policy and encouraged students to report any incidents.

The Enugu State government has joined the fight by warning that any academic staff found guilty of soliciting sexual favors for grades will face immediate legal action.

These measures reflect a growing commitment to eradicating sexual misconduct in Nigerian tertiary institutions, ensuring a safer and more equitable academic environment for all students.