In recent years, sexual misconduct has become a pervasive issue in Nigerian universities, with numerous cases of sexual harassment and assault coming to light.

These scandals have rocked the academic community, leading to the dismissal of lecturers, suspensions, and even jail terms.

From high-profile cases to more recent incidents these scandals have highlighted the need for stricter measures to be taken against sexual misconduct in Nigerian universities.

Let’s explore some of the most significant sex scandals that have rocked Nigerian universities in recent times:

1. UNICAL Prof. Cyril Ndifon – 2022

About 50 female law students protested against the then Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, for allegations of high-handedness and sexual harassment.

The students demanded the removal of the dean and justice for the victims.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, issued Ndifon a query and subsequently suspended him for alleged violation of the institution’s laws and policies.

He was charged with soliciting nude photographs and videos from female students in return for grades.

Ndifon is currently remanded in Kuje prison in Abuja.

2. UNILAG Sex-for-Grade Scandal – 2019

Senior lecturers at UNILAG, Dr. Samuel Omoniyi Oladipo and Dr. Boniface Igbeneghu were exposed by a BBC report for demanding sex from an undercover reporter posing as an admission-seeking student.

Both lecturers were dismissed from the university following an investigation by the Senate Committee.

3. OAU, Richard Akindele’s Sexual Harassment Case – 2018

Richard Akindele, a professor at Obafemi Awolowo University, was sentenced to a two-year jail term for sexual harassment.

He pleaded guilty to four counts filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

The allegations were made by a female student, Monica Osagie, and Justice Maureen Onyetenu convicted Akindele.

4. OAU, Olabisi Olaleye – 2020

In yet another sex-for-grade scandal at Obafemi Awolowo University, a lecturer, Olabisi Olaleye demanded sexual favours from a 400-level student of the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Administration.

The university set up a panel to investigate the matter as hard evidence was brought forward against him including voice recordings of his sickening demands.

5. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Bribery Scandal – 2023

Students lamented the non-release of results eight months after exams, as lecturers allegedly demanded bribes in cash or kind.

The lecturer was said to ask for between N10,000 and N20,000 or sexual favours for students to view results.

In response, the institution doled out disciplinary actions, including suspension, sack, and jail terms to some of the lecturers.

These scandals highlight the pervasive issue of sexual harassment within Nigerian universities and the need for stricter policies and mechanisms to prevent and address such misconduct.