Mohammed Shosanya
The House of Representatives has passed a bill targeted at addressing sexual harassment in institutions of higher learning in Nigeria.
The bill, titled “An Act to Prevent, Prohibit and Redress Sexual Harassment of Students in Tertiary Educational Institutions and for Related Matters,”slams heavy penalties on offenders and institutional heads who fail to act on harassment complaints.
Under the proposed law,offenders found guilty of sexual harassment face a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison, with a minimum of five years without the option of a fine.
Besides,heads of institutions who ignore such complaints may face up to five years in prison or a fine of N5 million.
At a briefing with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday,Akin Rotimi,the bill’s sponsor and spokesperson for the House, emphasized the legislation’s intent to uphold ethical standards in higher education.
He spoke on its role in safeguarding the fiduciary relationship between students and educators, promoting respect for human dignity, and creating a safe learning environment.
“The bill seeks to protect students against sexual harassment by educators, prevent incidents of such harassment, and establish a process for redress.
“Prevention of sexual harassment of students by educators in tertiary educational institutions; and redressal of complaints of sexual harassment of students by educators in tertiary educational institutions,”Rotimi stated.
On what constitutes a sexual offence,the bill provides that an educator shall be guilty of committing an offence or a felony of sexual harassment if he/she “engages in any form of unwelcome physical contact or verbal conduct of a sexual nature with a student or prospective student, or demands such conduct, regardless of consent.
“Creates a hostile, offensive, or intimidating environment for a student by making unsolicited or inappropriate sexual advances, or by requesting sexual favours.
“Directs,facilitates,assists, or encourages another person to engage in any act of sexual harassment as defined under this ill.
“Displays sends, or distributes any form of sexually explicit or suggestive material, including images, videos, or objects, to a student through any medium.
“Makes verbal or non-verbal remarks, comments, or gestures of a sexual nature, or any remarks or conduct intended to degrade, humiliate, or body shame a student based on their physical appearance; or engages in stalking, persistent following, or any form of unwanted attention directed at a student, which creates an atmosphere of fear or discomfort.”
According to the proposed legislation, “Any person who commits any of the offences or acts specified in clause 4 (1), (2) and (3) of this is guilty of an offence of felony and shall, on conviction, be sentenced to an imprisonment term of up to 14 years but not less than five years, without an option of a fine.”
The bill also provides that “An administrative head of an institution who fails to comply with the provisions of sub-clauses (1) and (2) of this clause of this bill is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a minimum fine of N5m or imprisonment for 5 years, or both.”
Also, “Any person who commits any of the offences or acts specified in clause 4 (4), (5) and (6) of this bill is guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to an imprisonment term of up to 5 years but not less than 2 years, without an option of a fine.”
