Politics

Under the new law, offenders found guilty of offences outlined in Clauses 4 (1), (2), and (3) face a jail term of not less than five years and up to fourteen years, without an option of a fine. Lesser offences specified under Clauses 4 (4), (5), and (6) attract imprisonment of between two and five years, also without the possibility of a fine. The bill also empowers victims to pursue civil action for breach of fiduciary duty, using the same standard of proof as in civil proceedings. It lists several prohibited acts, including demanding sexual favours, making unwelcome advances, engaging in unwanted physical contact, or inducing others to commit harassment. During deliberations, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) urged lawmakers to consider expanding the bill’s coverage to include the workplace and other professional settings, arguing that sexual harassment is not confined to educational institutions. “There is no reason to restrict this legislation to students alone,” Oshiomhole said. “We should design a law with broader application that protects every Nigerian from harassment.” However, Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, clarified that the bill, already passed by the House of Representatives, was limited to concurrence and that existing statutes already address sexual harassment in workplace contexts. Following the debate, the Senate unanimously adopted and passed the bill for third reading, marking a major victory for advocates of students’ rights and gender protection in Nigeria’s education system.