PREVENTION PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN TERTIARY INSTITUTION BILL

A Bill prohibits sexual harassment of students by educators in tertiary institutions and provides redress mechanisms. It targets students, educators, and administrators in universities and polytechnics, with penalties including up to 14 years in jail. This protects students from abuse and promotes ethical standards in education.

What Is This Policy?

A bill to prevent, prohibit, and provide redress for sexual harassment of students by educators in tertiary educational institutions across Nigeria, prescribing jail terms of up to 14 years for offenders.

Who Does It Target?

Students in tertiary educational institutions (universities, polytechnics, colleges of education), educators, administrators, and institutional staff across Nigeria.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Protect students from all forms of sexual misconduct and abuse within academic environments, establish clear legal frameworks for enforcement and punishment of offenders, and promote ethical standards in tertiary education.

Key Features

14-Year Maximum Jail Term: Convicted educators face 5 to 14 years imprisonment with no option of fine Independent Committees: Every tertiary institution must establish an Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee Civil Redress: Victims can sue educators for damages in addition to criminal prosecution Broad Definition of Offences: Covers sexual intercourse demands, unwelcome advances, hostile environment creation, stalking, and complicity

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Passed by House of Representatives and Senate; awaiting presidential assent Coverage: All tertiary educational institutions in Nigeria Sponsor: Presented for Senate concurrence by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele Background: Originally introduced in 2016; passed by 9th National Assembly but not transmitted; reintroduced and passed in 2025

How to Access

Once signed into law, complaints can be filed in writing by affected students, relatives, guardians, or lawyers to the Nigerian Police Force, the Attorney-General, or the institution's Independent Sexual Harassment Committee.

Important Terms

Lesser offences attract 2 to 5 years imprisonment without option of fine Once criminal proceedings commence in court, no internal disciplinary panel may continue the same matter The bill expands the definition of 'educator' and recognizes prospective students as potential victims

Impact & Metrics

Based on a 2018 World Bank Survey, 70% of female graduates from Nigerian tertiary institutions reported experiencing sexual harassment. This bill aims to dismantle the culture of coercion and silence that has eroded trust between educators and students.

Official Resources

Website: nass.gov.ng Contact: National Assembly, Three Arms Zone, Abuja

Legal Framework

Introduced under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Draws on Section 34 (dignity of the human person) and Section 42 (freedom from discrimination). Aligns with the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, the National Universities Commission Act, and the Education (National Minimum Standards and Establishment of Institutions) Act. Consistent with obligations under CEDAW and the AU Protocol on Women.