The National Assembly has approved stringent penalties, including a maximum prison sentence of 14 years and a minimum of five years without the option of a fine, for lecturers and other individuals found guilty of sexually harassing students in educational institutions across Nigeria.
This development follows the passage of the Sexual Harassment of Students (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2025 (HB.1597), which scaled its third reading on Wednesday in the Senate after concurrence with the House of Representatives.
According to the bill, actions considered as sexual harassment include sexual intercourse or demands for sexual favours from a student, intimidation, threats, creating a hostile learning environment, and unwanted physical contact.
Other prohibited acts under the legislation include grabbing, hugging, or kissing, sending sexually explicit messages, pictures or videos, making sexual jokes or comments about a student’s body, and stalking. The bill also empowers victims to pursue civil action against offenders for breach of fiduciary duty.
Additionally, the proposed law, which awaits presidential assent, mandates all tertiary institutions to establish Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committees to investigate and address complaints in line with the law.
The bill specifies that a student’s consent cannot serve as a defence, except in cases where both parties are legally married. It further clarifies that proving intent to harass is not required for conviction.
In cases where criminal proceedings are initiated, the legislation prohibits institutions from conducting parallel disciplinary actions until the court process is concluded.
The bill also provides that a complaint can be filed by the affected student, a relative, guardian, legal representative, or any concerned person.
Reports may be submitted to the Nigeria Police Force or the office of the Attorney General, with copies forwarded to the institution’s sexual harassment committee for record and follow-up.
