This archive report was first published on 16 October 2019.
On October 16, 2019, the BBC released a shocking exposé of sex-for-grades scandals in Nigerian and Ghanaian universities, sparking widespread outrage and calls for action.
The investigation, which involved undercover operations at several institutions, revealed a culture of sexual harassment and exploitation, with some lecturers using their positions of power to coerce students into sexual relationships.
One lecturer, caught on camera, was seen and heard propositioning a young woman, telling her that the practice was widespread among professors and students. He even offered to take her to the 'cold room,' a venue for such illicit activities.
Tragically, one of the victims of these humiliating propositions has contemplated taking her own life due to the shame and trauma she feels.
The power dynamics at play in these situations are stark, with vulnerable students often being targeted by lecturers who exploit their positions of authority.
As the author notes, 'Every need got an ego to feed,' and in this case, the ego of these lecturers is fed by their desire for power and control over their students.
The BBC's exposé has sparked a much-needed conversation about the need to address this culture of sexual harassment and exploitation in our universities.
It is heartening to see that some societies are taking action to support women's rights, such as the #MeToo campaign in the US and the student mass protests against sexual violence on South African campuses.
As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize the safety and well-being of our students, particularly women, and take concrete steps to prevent such scandals from happening in the future.
We commend the BBC for their courageous reporting and hope that our own media organizations will follow suit in shedding light on these shameful acts.
