…How to conquer “sex-for-grades” syndrome
By Suleiman Tajudeen
CITIZENS COMPASS— Sexual harassment is a major challenge in many tertiary institutions in Nigeria. It affects students’ mental health, academic performance, and social life, among others.
Sexual harassment can also be technically defined as any unwelcome sexual behaviour, request for sexual favours, or other verbal, non-verbal, and physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
In the Nigerian context, it often includes:
– Verbal: Sexual jokes, comments about body, propositions, threats
– Non-verbal: Staring, leering, sending sexual texts/pictures, gestures
– Physical: Unwanted touching, groping, sexual assault
– Quid pro quo: “Sex for grades”, “sex for admission”, “sex for project supervision”
The 2018 Sexual Harassment Bill in Nigeria further defines it as any sexual advance by a lecturer, supervisor, or person in authority toward a student.
Historical perspective:
– Pre-colonial & early post-independence: Issues were treated as “private matters” or “lecturer-student affairs”. Victims were often blamed and shamed.
– 1990s – 2000s: Cases started being reported in the media. “Sex for grades” became a common phrase. However, institutions rarely had formal policies.
– 2010s – Present: Increased activism and media exposure. BBC Africa Eye’s 2019 documentary “Sex for Grades” exposed lecturers in UNILAG and the University of Ghana. This sparked national outrage.
– 2021: Some universities like University of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and many others began establishing anti-sexual harassment policies and committees. The National Assembly also pushed for the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill.
– Today, awareness is higher, but underreporting remains due to stigma, power imbalance, and fear of victimization.
The exact figures of sexual harassment are hard to get because of underreporting, but research shows:
– Studies by WARIF and other NGOs estimate that 1 in 3 female students and 1 in 6 male students experience some form of sexual harassment during their stay in school.
– Most common perpetrators: Lecturers, senior students, administrative staff, and sometimes fellow students.
Most common victims: Female undergraduates, especially 100-300 level students who are new and vulnerable.
“Sex for grades/marks” and “sex for supervision” are the most reported forms in public universities.
Major causes
Institutional factors:
– Power imbalance between lecturers and students
– Weak policies and poor enforcement
– Lack of …
To be continued…
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
