A bill aimed at protecting Nigerian students from systematic sexual harassment was passed by parliament nearly four years ago, but experts say it will remain a “bulldog with no teeth” until it is approved by the country's president. are warning.
The Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill, passed by the Nigerian Senate in July 2020, aims to prevent and prohibit sexual harassment of students in higher education institutions and provides for redress of complaints.
However, despite repeated pleas, the bill has yet to be approved by President Muhammadu Buhari, who left office last May, nor by his successor, Bola Tinubu.
Activists believe a change in leadership may have contributed to the delay, while university faculty unions say the bill unfairly targets instructors and violates their organizational autonomy. (ASUU) opposition may also have been a factor.
A 2018 World Bank study found that about 70% of students at Nigerian universities had experienced sexual harassment.
Sarah Egbo, policy director at the Gender Mobile Initiative, a non-governmental organization led by women and youth in Nigeria, said sexual harassment is a “systemic” problem that affects enrollment, retention rates and the quality of education. He said there is.
“This is an issue that affects everyone, not just women. Women are the most affected, but it still has a ripple effect on everyone, both for the facility and for the country as a whole.” said Ms. Egbo, who studies sexual violence. While she was studying for her master's degree at the University of Sussex, she stayed at the Nigerian campus.
One key issue is that while perpetrators of sexual harassment may be sanctioned at one university, they often move on to another university with no repercussions due to the lack of a legal framework. about it.
Egbo said a culture of silence underpins the issue of sexual harassment and many people are afraid to speak out, but this dilemma could be reversed through legislation.
“At the risk of sounding pessimistic, Nigeria has agreed to this, but it is rarely implemented unless there is a political imperative,'' said Rosemary Oyinlola Popoola, a researcher and lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It's a policy graveyard.”
“It's hard to know when the bill will reach agreement because I don't think it's at the top of political priorities. No points will be given for political gamesmanship.”
Adetutu Aina Peremo, a senior lecturer at Redeemers University, a private institution in Ede, said having clear policies, educating lecturers and students, and addressing both within the academic environment will help create awareness. He said it was possible.
But Dr. Aina Peremo warned that “enforcement is key,” adding: “Until the bill becomes law, we remain a toothless bulldog.”
“The first step in dealing with the problem is to give it legal backing. This is in contrast to the culture of silence that many have adopted, which suppresses men and women and allows victims to have a voice. It will help you raise it.”
patrick.jack@timeshighereducation.com
