Sex-for-Marks in Nigeria: Why Lecturers Are Being Sacked and What Students Should Know

• Sex-for-marks in Nigeria: See why lecturers are being sacked, recent cases, students’ rights, how to report harassment and what schools must do to protect students.

Sex-for-marks allegations are again drawing national attention as Nigerian tertiary institutions continue to sanction lecturers accused of sexual harassment, abuse of power and misconduct against students.

A previous review by The Punch found that no fewer than 50 lecturers in Nigerian public universities and polytechnics were indicted for sexual misconduct between April 2021 and April 2025. Since then, more institutions have announced fresh dismissals, suspensions and investigations, showing that the problem has not disappeared.

Although some online conversations now put the number at about 60, the safer confirmed position is that over 50 lecturers have been publicly linked to sexual misconduct cases in recent years, with additional cases reported in 2025 and 2026.

Recent Sex-for-Marks Cases in Nigeria

Several institutions have taken action against lecturers accused of sexual harassment and related misconduct.

In 2025, the Lagos State University of Science and Technology dismissed three lecturers after allegations of sexual harassment against female students were investigated.

Lagos State University also dismissed two lecturers in 2025 over gross misconduct, including sexual harassment, financial impropriety and inhumane treatment of students.

In March 2025, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, dismissed three staff members over misconduct cases involving result alteration, sexual harassment and abscondment from duty.

More recently, Kogi State Polytechnic suspended lecturers over allegations linked to unauthorised sale of materials, sexual harassment and other misconduct while investigations continued.

These cases show that more institutions are now under pressure to respond publicly when students report abuse.

What Is Sex-for-Marks?

Sex-for-marks happens when a lecturer, supervisor or school official demands sexual favours from a student in exchange for marks, admission, project approval, graduation clearance or other academic benefits.

It can also happen when a lecturer threatens to fail, delay or punish a student for rejecting sexual advances.

Sexual harassment in schools can include unwanted touching, sexual comments, private invitations with pressure, threats, demand for nude pictures, repeated calls or messages, or any conduct that makes a student feel unsafe.

Why Students Must Report Early

Many students keep quiet because they fear victimisation, delayed graduation, poor grades or public shame. But silence often protects the offender and exposes more students to the same danger.

Students should report early to trusted channels such as the Head of Department, Dean of Students Affairs, gender desk, school counselling unit, security unit, anti-sexual harassment committee, student union, parents or a trusted lawyer.

Where there is threat, assault, blackmail or attempted rape, students should also report to law enforcement.

Evidence Students Should Keep

Students who are being harassed should avoid meeting the lecturer alone in private places. They should also keep useful evidence such as messages, call logs, emails, voice notes, witnesses, screenshots and dates of incidents.

Evidence should be preserved safely and shared only with trusted people or official panels.

Students should not edit or fabricate evidence, because false claims can damage a real case and may expose the student to legal consequences.

What Schools Should Do

Universities, polytechnics and colleges need stronger systems that protect students before abuse becomes public scandal.

Every institution should have clear reporting channels, anonymous complaint options, quick disciplinary panels, protection against victimisation and proper counselling support for victims.

Schools should also publish sexual harassment policies and make students aware of where to report from their first year.

Is There a Law Against Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions?

The Nigerian Senate passed the Sexual Harassment of Students in Tertiary Educational Institutions Prohibition Bill in 2020. The bill proposed strong penalties for educators who sexually harass students, including jail terms for serious offences.

However, students can still rely on existing criminal laws, school regulations, disciplinary rules and civil remedies where misconduct, assault, intimidation or abuse is involved.

This is why institutions must not wait for social media outrage before taking action.

Why This Matters

Sex-for-marks destroys trust in the education system. It makes students feel unsafe, weakens academic standards and allows people in authority to exploit vulnerable students.

For Nigeria to improve its universities and polytechnics, schools must make it clear that no lecturer is bigger than the system.

Students must also know that reporting harassment is not shameful. The shame belongs to the person abusing power.

Conclusion

Sex-for-marks remains one of the most damaging problems in Nigerian tertiary institutions. While more schools are now dismissing and suspending lecturers accused of misconduct, the bigger goal should be prevention, protection and justice.

Students should report harassment early, keep evidence and avoid private meetings that place them at risk. Schools must also create safe reporting systems and punish offenders when allegations are proven.

FAQs

What is sex-for-marks?
Sex-for-marks is when a lecturer demands sexual favours from a student in exchange for grades, admission, project approval or academic progress.

How many lecturers have been punished for sexual misconduct in Nigeria?
A Punch review found that over 50 lecturers were indicted between April 2021 and April 2025. Newer cases have been reported since then.

Can a student report a lecturer for harassment?
Yes. Students can report to school authorities, gender desks, student affairs units, disciplinary committees, police or trusted legal channels.

What evidence should a student keep?
Messages, call logs, screenshots, emails, voice notes, dates, locations and witness details can help support a complaint.

Can a lecturer be dismissed for sex-for-marks?
Yes. Many Nigerian institutions treat proven sexual harassment as gross misconduct that can lead to dismissal.