Survey Reveals 63% of Female Students in Nigerian Universities Face Sexual Harassment

A recent survey has found that 63% of female students in Nigerian universities experience sexual harassment, both from staff and fellow students. This alarming figure comes amid ongoing delays in passing an anti-harassment bill that was drafted in 2019 but is still awaiting presidential approval.

The survey, titled National Campus Climate Baseline Survey on Sexual Harassment in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, was launched by Alliances for Africa, the Committee of Gender Directors in Nigerian Universities, and government officials, including the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, at a national summit in Abuja on November 25, 2024.

The study, conducted across 12 universities in Nigeria, highlights the pervasive nature of sexual harassment in higher education, its negative impact on students’ education, mental well-being, and the lack of comprehensive data on the issue. The survey collected responses from 3,528 participants, including 2,222 students (67% female, 32% male) and 1,285 staff members (55% academic, 45% non-academic).

Key findings from the report revealed that 63% of female students have been victims of sexual harassment, with 66% of these cases involving fellow students. Among the staff, 40% of non-academic staff and 30% of academic staff reported personal experiences of sexual harassment. The report emphasized the urgent need for solutions, including the implementation of anonymous reporting systems, which 89% of respondents supported.

Barriers to Reporting and the Culture of Silence

The survey also revealed a widespread culture of silence surrounding sexual harassment, with over 80% of respondents citing fear of stigma, lack of institutional support, and power imbalances as major reasons for underreporting. Victims often face societal pressures and fear retaliation, which prevents them from seeking help.

Many survivors are unsure where to report incidents, and those who do often lack the necessary support from family, friends, or professionals. With perpetrators facing minimal consequences, this culture of impunity discourages victims from coming forward.

Recommendations for Addressing Sexual Harassment

To combat this issue, the report recommends establishing gender centres equipped to handle cases of sexual harassment, creating accessible helplines and reporting systems, and providing professional counselling services. Additionally, the report calls for continuous awareness campaigns and mandatory training for staff and students on sexual harassment prevention, intervention, and self-defense.

A zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment, along with strict disciplinary actions such as expulsion or legal consequences for perpetrators, is also essential. Transparency and accountability in handling complaints, as well as independent investigations, were also emphasized as key solutions.

Legislative Delays and Calls for Action

The fight against sexual harassment in Nigerian universities has been further hindered by delays in passing crucial legislation. In 2019, the Nigerian Senate proposed a bill to prevent and address sexual harassment in tertiary institutions, with severe penalties, including up to 14 years in prison for guilty academics. However, despite being passed by the Senate, the bill has not yet received presidential assent.

Civil society organizations (CSOs) argue that the delay in signing the bill into law perpetuates a culture of impunity. Many believe that the law, once enacted, will act as a deterrent and help reduce incidents of sexual harassment in universities.

Minister’s Call for Action

During the summit, Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged universities to establish Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) to manage complaints and provide timely support for survivors. She also emphasized the need for nationwide initiatives to raise awareness about sexual harassment, challenge gender stereotypes, and promote a respectful campus culture.

Despite only 47 SARCs currently available across 22 states, the minister highlighted that the demand for such services is likely to increase as advocacy intensifies.

In conclusion, the survey underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to tackle sexual harassment in Nigerian universities. While legislative action is crucial, institutional support and cultural change will also play significant roles in ensuring the safety and well-being of students.