The Senate has passed, through its third reading, a bill aimed at preventing and prohibiting sexual harassment of students in educational institutions and other establishments nationwide.
The bill, which originated from the House of Representatives, seeks to protect students from all forms of sexual misconduct and abuse within academic environments. It also establishes a clear legal framework for enforcing the law and punishing offenders.
While debating the bill, several senators praised its objectives but urged for wider coverage beyond the education sector. Senator Adams Oshiomhole argued that the legislation should not apply only to students but should also address sexual harassment in workplaces and other public spaces.
“There is no need to restrict sexual harassment issues to students. We should craft this law to ensure universal application,” he stated.
Similarly, Senator Anthony Ani emphasised that sexual harassment remains a pervasive issue across different sectors, adding that limiting the bill to educational institutions was inappropriate.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, clarified that as the legislation came from the House of Representatives, it was not open to extensive debate but could only be amended. He added that existing laws already address workplace harassment.
After brief deliberations, the Senate passed the bill for third reading.