* Warns randy lecturers of 7 years jail term
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria to step forward and report instances of sexual harassment without fear of any consequence.
ICPC made the call during a one-day sensitization workshop on sexual harassment in tertiary education institutions held at its headquarters on Wednesday.
The Secretary to the Commission, Clifford Oparaodu, noted that one of the primary challenges facing the fight against sexual harassment in tertiary institutions was the lack of reporting from victims due to apprehension of stigmatisation or further victimisation.
“It is pertinent to note that unlawful benefits are not always pecuniary, and it is disheartening that sexual gratification has become a form of “illegal tender” in many institutions. Staff have been found to use their offices to demand and receive sexual benefits from other staff and students in exchange for good grades or other favours,” Oparaodu said.
“Unfortunately, due to the fear of stigmatisation or further victimisation, many targets of such demands find themselves forced to succumb in order to avoid dire consequences and the denial of benefits to which they may ordinarily even be entitled.”
Oparaodu added that the culture of silence had allowed sexual harassment to thrive, but that the ICPC was working relentlessly to ensure that with sensitization and appropriate policy implementation, this culture would gradually change.
According to him, Section 8 of the ICPC Act says: “Any person who corruptly asks for, receives or obtains any property or benefit of any kind for himself or any other person is guilty of an offence of official corruption and is liable to imprisonment for seven years”.
He stated further that the sensitization workshop was organised for staff and students to enable them to gain a proper understanding of the concept of sexual harassment and appreciate the enormity of the problem, as well as to provide a platform for participants to understand the mandate of the ICPC in relation to abuse of office via sexual harassment.
Oparaodu also revealed that the Sexual Harassment and Abuse Response Team (SHART) was formed within the Commission to coordinate investigation, prosecution of cases, and enlightenment activities on sexual harassment.
“Several reports relating to sexual harassment have been received and investigated by the Commission and prosecution is being carried out in some notable and identified cases,” he added.