A 2018 World Bank Group survey revealed that approximately 70 percent of female graduates from Nigerian tertiary institutions endured some form of sexual harassment during their academic journeys, exposing a deep-seated institutional failure. This stark figure, documented eight years ago by an international body, underscores the systemic betrayal of the nation's youth. It points to an erosion of standards within the very institutions tasked with shaping the country's future.
No fewer than 60 lecturers across Nigerian universities and polytechnics have faced severe disciplinary action—suspended, dismissed, had appointments terminated, or prosecuted—over allegations of sexual harassment and other forms of sexual misconduct in the last five years. These actions, spanning from 2021 to July 2026, occurred despite tertiary institutions publicly maintaining “zero-tolerance policies” against such abuses, suggesting a profound disconnect between stated policy and grim reality.
The latest incidents unfolded in the same month. On July 27, 2026, Paul University, Awka, Anambra State, suspended Cornelius Eze, a practical biology technologist in its Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, following a serious sexual misconduct complaint lodged on July 14. Just a week prior, on July 18, Kogi State Polytechnic terminated the appointment of lecturer Mukhtar Muhammed over allegations of sexually molesting a student, citing efforts to protect students from abuse. This wasn't an isolated event for the polytechnic; in December 2025, it also terminated Abutu Thompson, a lecturer, after he was allegedly found guilty of sexually harassing and victimising a female student in the Department of Computer Science.
Institutional Decay
Further cases highlight the pervasive nature of the problem. In May 2024, a lecturer in the Department of English and Literary Studies at the Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State, was investigated for allegedly attempting to sexually harass a female student through repeated inappropriate messages. April 2024 saw the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, indefinitely suspend Mfonobong Udoudom, a lecturer, after a viral video allegedly depicted him sexually harassing a female student. The Governing Council of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology dismissed three lecturers in April 2025 over sexual harassment allegations. Barely 10 days later, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, dismissed senior lecturer Dr. Usman Aliyu, finding him guilty of sexually harassing a married postgraduate student who accused him of demanding sexual favours and threatening her academic progress. In July 2025, Lagos State University dismissed two lecturers for offences including sexual harassment.
The pattern of institutional decay extends further back. February 2021 saw the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, suspend Dr Chigozie Odum, a lecturer in Archaeology and Tourism, over sexual misconduct. Four months later, the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, suspended a lecturer for similar allegations. The University of Lagos dismissed two lecturers in June 2021 for sexual misconduct, and the University of Port Harcourt dismissed a lecturer in August 2021.
In June 2021, Prof. Nse Essien, then Vice-Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University, disclosed the institution had sacked about 14 lecturers for sexual molestation and abuse of female students. October 2021 brought dismissals for two lecturers from the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi. Also in 2021, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education dismissed a lecturer for impregnating a female student, while Kwara State University, Malete, sacked a lecturer in December for sexually harassing a student.
This systemic failure continued into 2022. Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Rivers State dismissed a lecturer in January. Three months later, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, investigated a professor in Linguistics and African Studies, marking the second such allegation against a professor there within a few years. In June 2022, Prof. Abdul-Raheed Na’allah, then Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, announced the dismissal of two professors over sexual misconduct, framing it as upholding ethical standards—standards clearly under severe strain.
Elite Inaction and the Globalist Gaze
Cases persisted into 2023. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission arraigned Dr Balogun Olaniran, a lecturer at Tai Solarin University of Education, for allegedly demanding sexual gratification to alter examination results. May 2023 saw Ambrose Alli University dismiss a lecturer who admitted making advances and seeking forgiveness. In July 2023, the University of Abuja dismissed two additional lecturers over sexual harassment allegations.
August 2023 brought the suspension of Prof. Cyril Ndifon, then Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar, over sexual harassment allegations, leading to prominent criminal proceedings. Barely a month later, the University of Lagos suspended Kadri Babalola over allegations he raped a 21-year-old student. October 2023 saw the Federal College of Forestry in Plateau State suspend four lecturers for sexually harassing female students.
The 2018 World Bank Group survey identified lecturers and fellow students as the primary perpetrators, with many victims failing to report incidents due to fear of victimisation, intimidation, academic repercussions, and a profound lack of confidence in existing reporting systems. This external documentation highlights the internal systemic vulnerabilities of the nation's educational framework.
Despite repeated disciplinary actions, the recurring cases confirm that sexual harassment remains deeply entrenched within Nigeria’s tertiary education system. Education rights advocates note that while universities are more willing to dismiss offending lecturers, criminal prosecution remains uncommon. This allows many perpetrators to escape with only administrative sanctions, a clear sign of elite inaction that fails to deliver true justice and accountability.
The Call for National Integrity
Renewed public attention, including a student recently approaching the court against a lecturer, has reignited conversations about access to justice and institutional responsibility to protect complainants. This popular pushback demands real change.
Legislative efforts are underway to strengthen the country’s legal response. In 2025, one year ago, lawmakers in the House of Representatives introduced a bill seeking stiffer punishment and compelling institutions to establish transparent reporting and investigative procedures. This move followed years of advocacy after a previous Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational Institutions Prohibition Bill, despite "widespread public support," failed to become law in earlier assemblies. The disconnect between popular will and legislative action is stark.
Ayodamola Oluwatoyin, Director of Programmes at Reform Education Nigeria, stated, “The President signing the bill will be a game-changer. We need to make schools safe for our students.” Nafisa Atiku-Adejuwon, former Programme Manager, Gender Justice at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, emphasized a "survivor-centred and holistic" response, urging universities to build trust, guarantee confidentiality, and protect complainants. These calls for fundamental integrity underscore the urgent need to restore trust and protect the nation's vulnerable youth from systemic abuse.