The Nigerian Senate has passed a groundbreaking bill prescribing up to 14 years imprisonment for sexual harassment offenders within the country’s tertiary institutions. The legislation, which received overwhelming bipartisan support, seeks to protect students — particularly women — from exploitation and abuse by lecturers and staff.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Francis Ezenwa Onyewuchi of Imo East , marks a significant step toward institutional accountability and gender justice in Nigeria’s education system. It introduces clear definitions of consent, expands protection to all students regardless of gender, and mandates internal reporting systems within universities.
Human-rights groups and education stakeholders have hailed the bill as a milestone reform that will help curb impunity and empower victims to speak up. The legislation now awaits presidential assent to become law.
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