Against the backdrop of recent revelation by a BBC undercover reporter, who exposed lecturers who sexually abused students at the University of Lagos, in what is now referred to as “sex-for-grades” acts, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has condemned in strong terms the sexual harassment and other forms of exploitation in institutions of learning across the country.
The commission said students, as consumers of educational services, are entitled to safe, secure and liberal educational environments where the relationship between faculty and students promotes confidence and robust knowledge sharing.
Babatunde Irukera, director general, FCCPC, said it has consistently taken and urged relevant authorities to take necessary action in response to allegations of inappropriate conduct by lecturers.
Irukera in a statement said on April 30, 2018, it requested authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) to act both swiftly and decisively regarding an allegation of sexual misconduct against a member of faculty that emerged after a student cried out.
It noted that it has remained in communication with OAU to ensure the investigative and disciplinary process was both transparent and timely. “OAU ultimately disciplined the member of faculty in a decisive manner. On June 21, 2018, the Commission welcomed and commended OAU’s action.
“On October 6, 2019 the Commission again applauded Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) for its unprecedented bold and resolute action in disciplining 15 employees for sexual misconduct, and conduct bordering on corruption.
“Subsequent to, and perhaps contemporaneous with these actions, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) was apparently journalistically investigating institutions in West Africa in a Sex For Grades menace.
“This investigation has led to swift and commendable responses by the University of Lagos authorities, specifically the suspension of the implicated lecturers and the closure of the “cold room”. The open disclosures and naming by victims and others of possible violators across the country underscores what is essentially a problem of rampant proportions. This conduct is not limited to the identified in this statement. We strongly urge others to take decisive and transparent action as well as limiting enabling fora for such conduct in their school communities,” the commission said.
The commission called for strong, collaborative and coordinated action and a robust policy framework to address sex for grades acts either from the students or lecturers.
It asserted that the absence of collaboration among various stakeholders has “severely undermined the educational process and created a cloud of questionability over educational outcomes. Whether as a willing participant, a victim, or an unsolicited student, this insidious practice compromises all and undermines the validity of degrees obtained, or failures/delays in graduating. Ultimately, it impugns the credibility of our institutions.”
The commission said in furtherance of its mandate to protect consumers, and in recognition of students as a vulnerable group of consumers receiving services from educational institutions and members of faculty that wield substantial power over them, it called for establishment of a framework to provide adequate protection and accountability, and address the menace now prevalent in schools.
The commission said it is presently engaging the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission, the Nigeria Police Force, the National Human Rights Commission, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports, Student Union groups across the country, relevant Civil Society Organisations and other stakeholders, to develop a robust mechanism to support prevention, retribution and accountability.
“As an initial matter, the commission is interested in harvesting credible intelligence to assist with engaging the relevant school authorities to encourage decisive action, and standing policies regarding sexual harassment, exploitation and other misconduct.”
HARRISON EDEH, Abuja
