The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill proposing a 14-year jail term, without an option of fine, for any educator found guilty of sexually harassing students in schools.
The legislation, titled “A Bill to Prevent, Prohibit and Redress Sexual Harassment of Students in Educational Institutions and Other Places,” aims to protect students and make schools safer from predatory teachers and lecturers.
Sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the bill lists various acts that qualify as sexual harassment — including demanding sex, making sexual advances, or creating a hostile learning environment.
It also criminalises touching or pinching sensitive parts of a student’s body, hugging, kissing, sending nude photos, or making sexually suggestive comments.
Victims or their guardians can file written petitions to the police, Attorney-General, or the school’s Independent Sexual Harassment Committee. Institutions are now mandated to set up such committees to handle and investigate complaints.
School heads who fail to report cases of sexual harassment may face at least two years in prison or pay a fine of not less than ₦5 million.
Lawmakers say the move will strengthen accountability in schools and give students more confidence to speak up against abuse.
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