Sex-for-grades: Nigerian tertiary institutions sanction over 60 lecturers in five years.

No fewer than 60 lecturers in Nigerian universities and polytechnics have been suspended, dismissed, had their appointments terminated, or prosecuted over allegations of sexual harassment and other forms of sexual misconduct in the last five years.

A review of disciplinary actions announced by tertiary institutions between 2021 and July 2026 indicates that despite stricter sanctions and zero-tolerance policies, allegations of lecturers demanding sexual favours from students continue to emerge across the country.
The latest incidents were recorded in July 2026. On July 27, Paul University, Awka, suspended a practical biology technologist, Cornelius Eze, over alleged sexual misconduct following a complaint lodged earlier in the month. Days before, Kogi State Polytechnic terminated the appointment of lecturer Mukhtar Muhammed over allegations of sexually molesting a student. The institution had also dismissed another lecturer, Abutu Thompson, in December 2025 after finding him guilty of sexually harassing and victimising a female Computer Science student.
In 2025, Lagos State University of Science and Technology dismissed three lecturers over sexual harassment after disciplinary proceedings, while Lagos State University sacked two lecturers over allegations that included sexual harassment, inhumane treatment of students, and financial misconduct. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, also dismissed senior lecturer Dr. Usman Aliyu after finding him guilty of sexually harassing a married postgraduate student who accused him of demanding sexual favours in exchange for academic assistance.
Several universities recorded similar cases in previous years. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, suspended lecturers over separate allegations of sexual misconduct in 2021 and 2024, while the University of Lagos dismissed two lecturers in 2021 and later suspended another lecturer in 2023 over an alleged rape case involving a student.
Akwa Ibom State University disclosed in 2021 that it dismissed about 14 lecturers for sexually abusing female students. Other institutions, including the University of Port Harcourt, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Kwara State University, Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, University of Abuja, Ambrose Alli University, Federal College of Forestry, Plateau, and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, also sanctioned lecturers over similar offences.
Some cases extended beyond institutional disciplinary measures. In 2023, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission arraigned Tai Solarin University of Education lecturer, Dr. Balogun Olaniran, for allegedly demanding sexual gratification from a student in exchange for altering examination results. In the same year, the University of Calabar suspended its former Dean of Law, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, over allegations of sexual harassment, with the matter later proceeding to criminal prosecution.
The recurring cases have continued to raise concerns about sexual harassment within Nigeria’s tertiary education system. A 2018 World Bank Group survey revealed that about 70 per cent of female graduates from Nigerian tertiary institutions experienced one form of sexual harassment during their academic journey. The report identified lecturers and fellow students as the main perpetrators, while many victims said they failed to report incidents due to fear of victimisation, intimidation, and possible academic consequences.
The issue has again come under public scrutiny following recent allegations by a University of Lagos student, who approached the court after accusing a lecturer of sexual harassment.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is considering legislation that would impose stiffer penalties on lecturers found guilty of sexually harassing students. The proposed bill also seeks to compel tertiary institutions to establish transparent reporting and investigation procedures.
Education rights advocates have welcomed the proposed legislation but insist that administrative sanctions alone are not enough. The Director of Programmes at Reform Education Nigeria, Ayodamola Oluwatoyin, urged President Bola Tinubu to sign the bill into law, describing it as a vital step towards making campuses safer. Similarly, former Programme Manager for Gender Justice at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, Nafisa Atiku-Adejuwon, called on universities to adopt survivor-centred reporting systems that protect complainants from retaliation, guarantee confidentiality, and ensure allegations are investigated promptly and transparently.