Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, one of the institutions involved in efforts for limiting sexual harassment in higher education. Photo Credit: Nigerian University & College Information Service (NUCIS)
A recent report on sexual violence in Nigerian higher education has found that 63% of female student respondents have been sexually harassed, according to University World News. In addition to students, 40% of non-academic staff and 30% of academic staff also reported being subjected to sexual harassment. These figures highlight the threat that sexual violence constitutes to women’s academic freedom in Nigeria.
The report titled National Campus Climate Baseline Survey on Sexual Harassment in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions was the result of a collaboration between the non-governmental organization “Alliances for Africa” and the Nigerian Ministry of Women Affairs. As part of the study, 3,528 male and female individuals, both students and staff, were surveyed across 12 universities. While perpetrators include academic and non-academic staff in significant numbers, the biggest group perpetrating sexual harassment against female students is other students at 66%. It is therefore not surprising that 71% of respondents stated that they are suspicious of the ability or willingness of their schools to implement meaningful solutions. The report also noted a “culture of silence” surrounding sexual harassment, with more than 80% of respondents expressing reluctance to report it for fear of stigmatization and lack of institutional support.
A proposed bill in 2019 aimed at sexual harassment in higher education is still waiting presidential approval after 5 years. University World News reported that according to some local civil society organizations, the lack of legal measures combatting sexual harassment has created a “culture of impunity” for the perpetrators.
Unfortunately, sexual harassment in Nigerian higher education is not a new and is an ongoing problem. A World Bank survey in 2018 found that 70% of female graduates reported facing sexual harassment, mostly perpetrated by other students and professors. Student groups have been protesting against sexual harassment. In August of 2023, students at University of Calabar and Nnamdi Azikiwe University held protests on campus. In the months following the protests University of Calabar launched an investigation into the conduct of a staff member, who was later arrested for sexual harassment. At least 39 faculty members have been indicted and fired for sexual harassment since 2019. Additionally, Nnamdi Azikiwe University installed CCTV cameras in key locations and offices in an effort to prevent sexual harassment. While some welcomed the new policy, others drew attention to potential violations of privacy and increasing surveillance, arguing that this policy is not an efficient way of tackling sexual harassment. One professor instead called for new institutional ways through which students could be empowered to speak out.
Sexual harassment is only one of the factors threatening academic freedom in Nigeria. Other threats include armed conflict between state and non-state groups, which have repeatedly attacked schools and abducted students for ideological reasons or to demand ransom from students’ families. In March 2024, more than 300 students were abducted over three days in northwestern Nigeria. Nigerian state security forces have also targeted university students, especially for protest activity. In September 2023, police fired teargas on students protesting fee hikes and arrested two. In June 2024, The University of Lagos administration called police forces to campus after students protests against the low quality and high cost of services and goods for students. Most recently, in early August 2024, police violence against students made the international news after a group of Polish students that were studying the Hausa language in Nigeria were arrested following their alleged involvement in a protest where Russian flags were waved. The students were released in late August.
Endangered Scholars Worldwide (ESW) is deeply concerned about the prevalence of sexual harassment in Nigerian higher education institutions. This is a serious violation of the academic freedom of female students especially, preventing and limiting their access to higher education, which is a fundamental human right. We call on the Nigerian government to immediately take actions towards eliminating sexual harassment and other types of sexual violence in Nigerian universities and holding perpetrators of sexual harassment to account. We invite the global community dedicated to upholding human rights to join our call.
Read our country profile on Nigeria here.
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