Sexual Violence on Nigerian Campuses: Why Accountability Still Fails Survivors

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Content warning: This post discusses sexual violence and may be distressing. Sexual violence remains a serious safety and accountability issue in higher institutions. A 2024 study involving more than 30,000 students across 18 Nigerian tertiary institutions found that 37% of respondents reported experiences classified as sexual violence, including rape, attempted rape and sexual harassment. Cases and allegations involving UNILAG, UNIPORT, UNIBEN, the University of Abuja and the University of Ibadan show the recurring gaps survivors face. Reports may lead to internal panels, police investigations or court cases, but outcomes are often unclear, delayed or undermined by weak investigations and poor institutional support. Recent cases abroad, including allegations linked to Cornell University, raise similar questions about consent, campus safety and whether institutions act decisively when students report abuse. Nigerian universities, law-enforcement agencies and courts must ensure complaints are investigated thoroughly, survivors receive support and case outcomes are transparent.

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