Perception of Sexual Harassment among Female Students of Tertiary Institutions in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Nigerian tertiary institutions popularly referred to as the citadel of academic and moral excellence have come a long way in moulding leaders and intellectuals who have contributed to the development of the world. However, the moral fabric that holds the tertiary institutions is seriously eroded as a result of prevalence sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is a topical phenomenon in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. This study examined the prevalence, factors responsible, nature, health and social implications of sexual harassment identified by female students of tertiary institutions in Northern Nigeria. A sample of 300 students from 6 tertiary institutions in Northern Nigeria was randomly selected and used for this research. Questionnaires were used and the data collected was then subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. The study revealed that majority of the female students in tertiary institutions in Northern Nigeria have experienced sexual harassment (80%) and they equally indicate that lecturers and administrative staff are the leading culprits of sexual harassment. Similarly, majority of the respondents opined that revealing dress attitude is responsible for sexual
harassment while majority of the respondents illustrated that compelling female students for sexual harassment activities is major nature of sexual harassment. Likewise, majority of the respondents agreed that sexual harassment have social and health implications such as stigma, depression, poor academic performance, loss of esteem, contracting sexually transmitted infections, contracting HIV/AIDS, loss of womb, unwanted pregnancy and abortion, among others. The study concluded by recommending that the government and other stakeholders should fully initiate and implement sexual harassment preventive policies and as a matter of urgency, academic and administrative staff should be trained on how to utilize sexual harassment policies for effectiveness. The study also recommended that female students should be provided with adequate information about policies and support services available to reduce sexual harassment.