Sexual harassment is a silent epidemic in many Nigerian tertiary institutions. It thrives in secrecy, fear, and abuse of power.

Every student deserves to learn, grow, and achieve their dreams in an environment free from intimidation or sexual exploitation. It’s time to speak out and take action together.

Sexual harassment includes any unwanted sexual attention or behaviour that creates a hostile or uncomfortable environment.                     

Examples include:

• Demanding sexual favours in exchange for grades, accommodation, or opportunities.
• Unwelcome touching, comments, or messages.
• Lewd jokes, stalking, or inappropriate advances from lecturers, staff, or peers.

It is not flirting, it is not normal, and it is never justified.

The Reality

Many students, especially women, have faced pressure from lecturers or supervisors to exchange sex for marks, the infamous “sex for grades” culture, yet victims often stay silent due to fear of retaliation, shame, or disbelief, while the lack of proper reporting systems and accountability enables perpetrators to act with impunity.

This must stop because sexual harassment destroys confidence, affects academic performance, and leaves lasting emotional scars.

A learning environment should empower, not exploit. When institutions allow sexual harassment to persist, they betray their duty to protect students.

Our Call to Action

Alliances for Africa emphasises the following actions:

• Support Victims: Believe survivors. Offer empathy, not judgment.
• Hold Perpetrators Accountable: Institutions must enforce anti-sexual harassment policies and transparent investigation procedures. This includes imposing severe disciplinary actions such as expulsion for students or legal consequences for perpetrators
• Create Safe Channels: Schools should establish gender desks, counselling centres, and anonymous reporting systems.
• Educate and Sensitize: Conduct continuous awareness campaigns and training for students, faculty, and staff on sexual harassment intervention and prevention.

To University Management & Policymakers

There is an urgent need to adopt and enforce anti-sexual harassment policy. This policy is critical to curb the culture of silence, impunity and provide a robust legal framework for justice.

To Lecturers and Staff

True educators empower students, not exploit them. Sexual harassment is a crime, a violation of trust, and an abuse of authority. Let integrity define your legacy.

To Students

You have the right to say NO.

You have the right to learn without fear.

You have the right to be respected.

You have the right to demand the safe and anonymous reporting channels that 89% of your peers are calling for

In conclusion, Speak Up, Speak Out, silence protects the predator. Report any case of sexual harassment, your voice can save others.

Together, we can build Nigerian campuses where dignity is protected, voices are heard, and justice is real.

Let’s make it clear: Sexual harassment has no place in our institutions.

#EndSexualHarassment

#SafeCampus

#NoMeansNo