Sixty lecturers across Nigerian universities and polytechnics have faced disciplinary action for sexual misconduct in the last five years, a stark figure exposing the deep-seated power imbalances that enable the systematic exploitation of students within the nation's tertiary education system. These administrative actions, ranging from suspension to outright dismissal, do little to dismantle the pervasive culture where academic gatekeepers leverage their authority for personal gain, perpetuating a cycle of abuse.
The latest incidents occurred on July 27, 2026, when Paul University, Awka, Anambra State, suspended Cornelius Eze, a practical biology technologist, over allegations of serious sexual misconduct. A complaint had been lodged with the institution on July 14. Just a week prior, on July 18, Kogi State Polytechnic terminated the appointment of Mukhtar Muhammed, a lecturer, following allegations that he sexually molested a student.
This isn't an isolated incident for Kogi State Polytechnic. In December 2025, the polytechnic also dismissed Abutu Thompson, a lecturer, after he was allegedly found guilty of sexually harassing a female student in the Department of Computer Science. These recurring cases highlight the ongoing vulnerability students face within institutions that frequently declare “zero-tolerance policies” while failing to address the structural roots of the problem.
Academic Power, Student Exploitation
The pattern of abuse extends across numerous institutions, revealing a systemic issue rather than isolated incidents. In April 2025, the Governing Council of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology dismissed three lecturers over allegations of sexual harassment following disciplinary proceedings. Barely 10 days later, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, dismissed senior lecturer Dr. Usman Aliyu after finding him guilty of demanding sexual favours from a married postgraduate student and threatening her academic progress. This demonstrates how academic advancement can be held hostage by those in positions of power.
Earlier, in July 2025, Lagos State University dismissed two lecturers after its Governing Council reportedly found them guilty of offences, including sexual harassment, inhumane treatment of students, and financial misconduct. These dismissals, according to the article, represent only a fraction of the disciplinary measures taken by tertiary institutions over the past five years. The true scale of exploitation remains largely unaddressed, shielded by institutional inertia.
A 2018 World Bank Group survey, conducted eight years ago, revealed that approximately 70 percent of female graduates from Nigerian tertiary institutions experienced some form of sexual harassment during their academic journey. Lecturers and fellow students were identified as primary perpetrators. Many victims, according to the survey, failed to report incidents due to fear of victimisation, intimidation, academic repercussions, and a profound lack of confidence in existing reporting systems. This fear underscores the structural barriers to justice for the exploited, ensuring the cycle of abuse continues.
The State's Role in Perpetuating Abuse
The University of Abuja, for instance, dismissed two professors over sexual misconduct in June 2022, four years ago, with its then Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdul-Raheed Na’allah, describing the decision as part of efforts to uphold the university’s “ethical standards.” Yet, two additional lecturers were dismissed by the same university in July 2023 over similar allegations, demonstrating the persistent nature of the problem despite administrative actions. Such pronouncements often serve to manage public perception rather than enact fundamental change, leaving the core issues untouched.
Legislative efforts, such as the bill introduced in the House of Representatives in 2025, one year ago, propose stiffer punishment for lecturers found guilty of sexually harassing students. This proposed legislation aims to strengthen existing legal provisions and compel tertiary institutions to establish transparent reporting and investigative procedures. However, education rights advocates like Ayodamola Oluwatoyin, Director of Programmes at Reform Education Nigeria, note that while universities are more willing to dismiss offenders, criminal prosecution remains uncommon. This allows many perpetrators to escape with administrative sanctions alone, leaving the underlying power structure largely unchallenged and enabling further exploitation.
Nafisa Atiku-Adejuwon, former Programme Manager, Gender Justice at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, emphasized the need for “survivor-centred and holistic” response systems. She added that such systems shouldn't merely serve to “make the university look good,” but must genuinely build trust with students by guaranteeing confidentiality, protecting complainants from retaliation, and ensuring prompt, transparent investigations. The recurring cases, including the criminal proceedings initiated against Prof. Cyril Ndifon, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar, in August 2023, underscore how deeply entrenched sexual harassment remains within Nigeria’s tertiary education system, a system designed to protect its own rather than its most vulnerable members.