Senate Passes Sexual Harassment Bill for Educators

The Senate has approved a bill proposing up to fourteen years imprisonment for educators found guilty of sexually harassing students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

The proposed law, titled "Sexual Harassment of Students in Tertiary Educational Institutions (Prohibition and Prevention) Bill, 2025," was transmitted from the House of Representatives and sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central). It seeks to establish clear legal measures to curb sexual misconduct and protect students in academic environments.

Bamidele explained that the legislation aims to safeguard students from abuse while enforcing accountability among educators. He said, "This bill will help preserve trust between teachers and their students and uphold the integrity of Nigeria's education system."

Senate's Focus on Protecting Students in Schools

The bill outlines strict penalties for offenders. Clause 4 prescribes imprisonment for educators found guilty of sexual harassment, with sentences ranging from five to fourteen years and no option of a fine.

Acts classified as sexual harassment include:

• Having or demanding sexual intercourse from a student or a prospective student.
• Making unwanted sexual advances, winking or passing inappropriate comments about a student's body.
• Sending or displaying nude or sexually explicit pictures, messages or videos.
• Touching or pinching sensitive parts of a student's body such as the hips or chest.

The proposed law removes consent as a defence in educator–student relationships, except in legally recognised marriages. It also gives students the right to seek civil damages in addition to criminal prosecution.

For complaints, petitions can be filed by the victim, guardian or any person with interest in the student's welfare. These petitions are to be addressed to the Nigeria Police Force or the Office of the Attorney-General, with copies sent to the head of the institution and its Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee.

Once criminal proceedings begin, tertiary institutions are barred from conducting separate disciplinary actions until court decisions are reached.

Lawmakers' Contributions and Senate's Decision

During the debate, several senators praised the bill as a strong move toward ensuring safety in schools. Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) proposed that similar laws should cover workplaces and other environments.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North) clarified that the current bill, being a concurrence from the House of Representatives, could not be altered to expand its scope. He added that other laws already exist to address harassment outside educational settings.

Deputy Senate Leader Lola Ashiru, who presented the bill on behalf of Bamidele, expressed appreciation to colleagues for supporting what he described as a necessary step to protect young Nigerians in learning spaces.

He noted that the bill would not only punish offenders but also discourage future misconduct. With the Senate's passage, the bill now awaits presidential assent to become law. This development marks progress in ensuring safer educational spaces and stronger accountability within Nigeria's tertiary system.

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