Lecturer Demands Sexual Favours for Grades, NANS Alleges

​The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has brought to light a disturbing case of sexual exploitation within a tertiary institution in Ondo State, where a female student was allegedly coerced into sexual acts by a Head of Department in exchange for academic progression.

​According to NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, the student had faced repeated failures in a compulsory course required for her graduation. When she approached her lecturer—who also serves as the Head of Department—to seek clarity on her academic standing, she was allegedly told that she would never pass the course. The student claims that the lecturer eventually demanded sexual acts in his office as the only condition for awarding her a passing grade.

​Feeling systematically trapped and desperate to graduate, the student complied with the lecturer’s demands. However, the exploitation did not cease; the lecturer reportedly continued to reach out, inviting the student to his private residence and implying that ongoing sexual compliance was necessary for her final clearance.

​Terrified of further victimization and the potential stigma associated with coming forward, the student initially requested that the matter remain private. Despite this, the NANS leadership intervened by contacting the institution’s authorities. Within three hours of this intervention, the student was reportedly cleared to graduate.

​Akinteye highlighted that this incident is indicative of a broader, systemic issue of sexual harassment on Nigerian campuses, where fear of retaliation often silences victims. He emphasized that the anonymity of the student and the specific institution is a direct result of the victim’s fear of further harassment.

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​NANS has reaffirmed its commitment to combating this “sex-for-grades” culture and is urging any students experiencing similar intimidation to report their cases to the National Director of Gender. The association remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that academic environments are protected spaces where success is earned through merit, not through the exploitation of students by those in positions of power.

​Sex for Grades: Undercover investigation

​This documentary provides critical context regarding the long-standing and widespread issue of sexual harassment and the “sex-for-grades” phenomenon within Nigerian tertiary institutions.