THE National Assembly has taken a major step in strengthening the fight against sexual misconduct in schools, as lawmakers approved a minimum jail term of five years and a maximum of 14 years for lecturers and other staff found guilty of sexually harassing students in educational institutions nationwide.
News Point Nigeria reports that the landmark legislation, the Sexual Harassment of Students (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2025 (HB.1597) was passed by the Senate on Wednesday after concurrence with the House of Representatives, marking the end of its legislative journey and sending it to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
The bill criminalizes a wide range of acts described as sexual harassment, including: Demands for sexual intercourse or sexual favours, intimidation, threats, or creating a hostile learning environment, unwanted touching, grabbing, hugging, or kissing, sending sexually explicit videos, photos or messages, sexual jokes or comments about a student’s body and stalking or persistent harassment.
Lawmakers insist that offenders will not have access to fines as an alternative to jail, in an effort to deter predatory behaviour and protect vulnerable students.
A key provision of the bill gives students or their representatives, the right to seek civil remedies against educators for breach of trust and abuse of authority, even after criminal prosecution.
To ensure swift justice and accountability, the bill mandates all tertiary institutions to establish an Independent Sexual Harassment Prohibition Committee responsible for handling complaints strictly under the law.
It also prevents schools from launching internal disciplinary actions while the case is already in court, avoiding conflicts and cover-ups.
The legislation makes it clear that a student’s consent cannot be used as an excuse by an accused lecturer or staff except in cases where the parties are legally married.
Furthermore, prosecutors are not required to establish intent, simplifying the burden of proof in court.
Complaints may be submitted to the Nigeria Police, the Attorney-General, and the school’s sexual harassment committee simultaneously.
Lawmakers expressed confidence that the bill will help eliminate sexual exploitation in academic environments and promote safer campuses for learning.
