Senate Approves 14-Year Jail Term for Lecturers Guilty of Sexually Harassing Students

• The Nigerian Senate has approved a landmark bill imposing up to 14 years in prison for educators found guilty of sexually harassing students — a move aimed at curbing abuse and restoring integrity in academic institutions across the country.

The Nigerian Senate has officially approved a maximum 14-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of sexually harassing students in educational institutions across the country.

The new legislation, titled Sexual Harassment of Students (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2025, was transmitted from the House of Representatives and sponsored in the Senate by Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.

According to Bamidele, the bill seeks to safeguard students from sexual misconduct and abuse, while establishing a strong legal framework for sanctions against offenders. It also aims to preserve ethical standards and uphold the sanctity of the educator–student relationship within tertiary institutions.

Under the new law, any educator who sexually harasses a student faces between five and 14 years in prison without the option of a fine. Lesser offences attract a sentence of two to five years, also without a fine.

The bill defines sexual harassment to include soliciting or demanding sex, unwelcome sexual advances, creating a hostile environment, or engaging in physical acts such as touching, hugging, or kissing a student in a sexual manner. It also criminalises sending sexually explicit messages, images, or jokes, and clarifies that a student’s consent cannot be used as a defence in court.

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Students—or their representatives—may file petitions directly with the Nigerian Police or the Attorney-General, while institutions are required to notify the Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee for further action.

While the bill applies to educational institutions, Senator Adams Oshiomhole urged that similar protection be extended to the workplace and other sectors. However, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin explained that since the bill originated from the House of Representatives, only limited amendments were possible.

After deliberation, the Senate unanimously passed the bill, marking a major step toward ending sexual exploitation in Nigeria’s schools and universities.