The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has raised an alarm over an alleged case of sexual exploitation involving a female student in an Ondo State tertiary institution, accusing her Head of Department (HOD) of demanding sexual favours in exchange for grades.
NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, made the disclosure in a statement issued on Friday titled, “Our Female Students Deserve Safety, Dignity, and Justice.”
According to Akinteye, the student had one remaining compulsory course required for graduation and had returned to campus to rewrite it. After reportedly failing the course again, she approached the lecturer — who also serves as HOD — for clarification.
The student alleged that during their discussions, the lecturer informed her she could not pass the course through normal means.
Akinteye stated that the lecturer later demanded sexual gratification as a condition for awarding her a pass mark.
“She said she felt she had no alternative if she wanted to graduate and eventually gave in to the demand in his office,” the NANS president said in the statement.
The association further alleged that the lecturer continued to contact the student about a week later, inviting her to his residence and suggesting that an ongoing relationship would be necessary for her academic clearance.
Akinteye said the student reached out to NANS leadership out of fear and distress. He noted that while he considered making the case public, the student pleaded for discretion, citing fear of victimisation and a desire to complete her programme without further harassment.
Following NANS’ intervention with the institution’s management, Akinteye said the student was cleared within three hours.
“While I am relieved that she was able to complete her academic process, I am deeply saddened that she was too afraid to publicly identify herself or the lecturer involved,” he stated.
The NANS leader described the incident as symptomatic of a broader culture of sexual harassment in higher institutions, where many victims remain silent due to fear of reprisal and stigma.
“No student should ever be forced to exchange sexual favours for academic success. Our campuses must be places of learning, not environments where students are exploited by those entrusted with their education,” he said.
Akinteye urged victims of sexual harassment and intimidation to report to the NANS National Director of Gender, assuring that all complaints would be treated “professionally, confidentially, and with the seriousness they deserve.”
He added, “Together, we must build campuses where every student can pursue an education free from fear, harassment, and abuse.”
The association did not name the institution, the lecturer, or the student involved in the incident.
Attempts to get an official response from the school were unsuccessful as of press time.
