Senate approves bill prescribing up to 14-year jail term for sexual harassment in tertiary institutions
The Senate has approved the Sexual Harassment of Students (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2025, a legislation that introduces penalties of up to 14 years in prison for educators convicted of sexually harassing students in tertiary institutions.
The bill, earlier passed by the House of Representatives, was presented for concurrence on Wednesday by Deputy Senate Leader Lola Ashiru, who stood in for Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
Ashiru said the legislation is intended to protect students from sexual misconduct within academic environments and establish a clear legal framework for reporting, investigation and punishment. He added that the bill aims to safeguard ethical standards in tertiary institutions and preserve the trust-based relationship between students and educators.
According to the bill, individuals found guilty under clauses 4(1), (2) and (3) face a prison term of 5 to 14 years without an option of fine, while offences under clauses 4(4), (5) and (6) attract 2 to 5 years’ imprisonment, also without fines.
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The legislation allows students who allege harassment to pursue civil action for breach of fiduciary duty, applying the standard of proof used in civil proceedings.
Offences covered include demanding sexual favours, making unwanted sexual advances, inducing others to commit harassment, and inappropriate physical contact. The bill specifies that marriage between the educator and the student is the only defence, and that consent is invalid where a power imbalance exists.
Complaints may be filed by the affected student, a guardian, a relative, or any concerned individual, with reports to be sent to the police, the attorney-general and the institution’s independent sexual harassment prohibition committee.
During debate on the bill, some senators argued that its scope should go beyond schools.
Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) said the law should apply to workplaces and other settings, noting that harassment “is the same evil everywhere”.
Titus Zam (Benue North-West) and Anthony Ani (Ebonyi South) also described the bill as too narrow, urging a more comprehensive approach to sexual harassment across society.
However, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over plenary, said the legislation was before the Senate only for concurrence, pointing out that workplace harassment is covered under existing laws.
The bill was subsequently adopted and passed for third reading.
