Nigeria's president demands action after 'sex for grades' film

Buhari welcomed the recent re-introduction of a sexual harassment bill in the Senate.

In Summary

• The film explored allegations that academics demand sexual favours in exchange for the advancement of a student's career.

• He said stricter laws were needed to prevent the abuse of women and girls in education.

Dr Boniface Igbeneghu, from the University of Lagos, was secretly filmed by BBC Africa Eye
Dr Boniface Igbeneghu, from the University of Lagos, was secretly filmed by BBC Africa Eye
Image: BBC

Four days after a BBC Africa Eye documentary was broadcast revealing cases of sexual harassment at two top West African Universities, Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has said more needs to be done to prevent abuse in educational institutions.

Although First Lady Aisha Buhari reacted to the BBC’s investigation on Monday, this is the first comment the president has made on the matter.

The film - called Sex for Grades - explored allegations that academics demand sexual favours in exchange for the advancement of a student's career.

 
 

In a statement, Mr Buhari welcomed the recent re-introduction of a sexual harassment bill in the Senate.

He said stricter laws were needed to prevent the abuse of women and girls in education.

There has been widespread public outcry following the broadcast of the documentary that contained hidden-camera footage of lecturers at the University of Ghana and the University Lagos propositioning undercover reporters posing as students at the universities.

Both institutions have distanced themselves from the claims and suspended the lecturers involved, who denied the allegations.

Watch the BBC film:

Universities in Nigeria and Ghana have been plagued by stories of sexual harassment by lecturers and professors for decades. Allegations include a wide array of abuses, from blackmailing students for sex in exchange for marks and admission to lewd comments and grooming. After gathering dozens of testimonies, BBC Africa Eye sent undercover journalists posing as students inside the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the University of Ghana to capture footage of the sexual harassment. Reporter Kiki Mordi, who knows first-hand how devastating sexual harassment can be, reveals what happens behind the closed doors of some of West Africa’s most prestigious universities. Further information and support for anyone affected by sexual assault can be found through the BBC Action Line: http://bit.ly/2IyHETP How have you been impacted by our investigation into sex for grades? If you would like to share your experience with BBC Africa Eye, contact us here: https://bbc.in/2OrGddL Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

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