- The directive comes three days after the Federal University in Oye Ekiti cleared a female student, Ramota Olahanloye, to graduate following the re-marking of her final-year examination scripts.
- Olahanloye had alleged that a lecturer, Dr Anthony Agbegbedia, demanded sexual favours from her and when she declined, he deliberately failed her in two final-year courses.
The federal government has directed universities to establish Sexual Assault Referral Centres.
This move aims to tackle cases of students being coerced into offering sex to lecturers in exchange for good grades, as well as harassment and gender-based violence on campuses.
Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs, made this announcement at a national summit in Abuja.
The summit was organized by Alliances for Africa, in collaboration with the Committee on Gender Directors in Nigeria, to kick off the 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence.
This directive comes after the Federal University in Oye Ekiti cleared a female student, Ramota Olahanloye, to graduate following a re-marking of her final-year examination scripts.
Olahanloye had alleged that a lecturer, Dr Anthony Agbegbedia, demanded sexual favours from her and deliberately failed her in two final-year courses when she declined.
According to the minister, introducing timely intervention and survivor support in the recommended centres is crucial to curbing this trend.
The minister emphasized that university leadership should prioritize establishing SARCs to ensure timely intervention and support for survivors within their communities.
She noted that currently, only 47 Sexual Assault Referral Centres exist across 22 states and the FCT, which is insufficient.
The minister highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to championing gender equality, eradicating GBV, and promoting safe academic environments under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The minister also announced plans to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Education, universities, and other stakeholders to launch nationwide campaigns against sexual harassment.
She expressed appreciation for the support of Directors of gender centres from various universities across Nigeria.
Recent high-profile cases have highlighted the pervasive nature of sexual harassment in tertiary institutions.
The BBC Africa Eye documentary “Sex for Grades” exposed lecturers demanding sexual favours from students in exchange for academic rewards, sparking global attention and nationwide outrage.
The minister emphasized the need for robust reporting systems, survivor-centred support mechanisms, and swift disciplinary action against perpetrators.