…How to conquer “sex-for-grades” syndrone
By Suleiman Tajudeen
…Continued from last week
CITIZENS COMPASS—… confidential reporting channels
Social/cultural factors:
– Patriarchal norms that blame victims
– Normalisation of “runs” and transactional relationships
– Stigma around reporting
Individual factors:
– Abuse of authority by some lecturers/staff
– Economic hardship pushing students into vulnerable positions
– Peer pressure and campus cultism
Psychosocial effects on students:
The effects cut across mental, academic, and social areas:
Anxiety and depression: Constant fear and trauma
– Low self-esteem: Feelings of shame, worthlessness
– Flashbacks, nightmares, especially after assault
– Suicidal thoughts: In severe cases
Academic effects
– Poor performance: Difficulty concentrating, skipping classes
– Dropping out or transferring: To avoid the perpetrator
– Fear of certain lecturers/courses: Affects choice of project supervisor
– Loss of interest in academics
Social effects:
– Isolation and withdrawal: From friends and campus activities
– Mistrust of authority figures: Lecturers, mentors
– Stigmatisation: Victim-blaming by peers and even family
– Damaged relationships: Difficulty forming healthy relationships later
Prevention strategies
– Policy: Clear anti-sexual harassment policies with defined sanctions. Example: UNILAG’s policy, with dismissal for offenders.
Awareness campaigns: Orientation programmes, seminars, posters on campus
– Reporting structures: Confidential counseling units, gender offices, hotlines
– Trainings: For staff on professional boundaries and for students on rights
– Mentorship programs: To reduce power imbalance
Management/Response
For victims and institutions:
Immediate support: Medical care, counseling, and psychological first aid
Reporting: Through the department, Dean of Students, gender office, or security. Anonymous reporting options help.
Investigation: Fair and timely investigation by disciplinary committees
Sanctions: Query, suspension, dismissal, or prosecution under the law
Aftercare: Continued counseling, academic support, protection from retaliation
Legal route: Under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act VAPP 2015 and state laws
In Nigeria, Non-governmental Organisationsch as Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF), Stand to End Rape (S.T.E.R), and university counseling centers also provide support.
In conclusion: Sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions causes serious psychological trauma, poor academic outcomes, and social withdrawal. While awareness and policies are improving, prevention and strict enforcement are key to protecting students and ensuring a safe learning environment.
References
Omonijo, D. O., & Uche, O. O. C. (2018). _Sexual Harassment in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions: Causes, Consequences and Solutions. International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research, 3(6), 2234-2250.
Aina, O. F., & Morakinyo, O. (2011). _Sexual harassment of female students in a Nigerian university. Journal of Sexual Aggression, 17(2), 155-165.
Nnanna, I. O. (2017). _Prevalence and forms of sexual harassment among female undergraduates in Nigerian universities_. International Journal of Gender and Women’s Studies, 5(1), 78-89.
WARIF – Women At Risk International Foundation (2020). _Campus Sexual Violence Report: Data on Sexual Harassment in Nigerian Universities_ Lagos: WARIF.
Stand to End Rape Initiative. (2022). Annual report on sexual and gender-based violence in Nigerian
tertiary institutions. Lagos: S.T.E.R.
For questions or medical consultations, contact Dr. Suleiman Tajudeen, CEO and Director of Clinical Psychology, Clear Mind Psychological Consult, Km 15, Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos. +234 803 402 4457
