The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill seeking to prevent and prohibit sexual harassment of students in educational institutions across the country.
The legislation, which passed through third reading on Wednesday, is a concurrent bill from the House of Representatives aimed at protecting students from all forms of sexual misconduct and abuse within academic environments. It also provides a clear legal framework for enforcement and punishment of offenders.
During deliberations, several lawmakers commended the bill’s intent but called for broader application beyond the education sector.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole argued that the legislation should not be limited to schools alone but should also address sexual harassment in workplaces and other institutions.
“There is no need to restrict sexual harassment issues to students. We should craft this law in a way that gives it universal application,” Oshiomhole said.
Similarly, Senator Anthony Ani noted that sexual harassment remains a widespread social problem, adding that restricting the bill to educational institutions would leave significant gaps.
“Sexual harassment is everywhere. Limiting this bill to tertiary institutions is a misnomer,” Ani stated.
However, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, clarified that the bill — being a concurrent legislation — was not open to extensive debate, though minor amendments could be made.
He further noted that existing laws already address harassment in workplaces and public institutions.
After brief deliberations, the Senate passed the bill for third reading, paving the way for harmonization with the House of Representatives before it is transmitted for presidential assent.
