Lecturers who sexually harass students in tertiary institutions will now spend five years in jail.

The Senate on Thursday passed the sexual harassment in tertiary education institution bill, 2016.

Offenders will also pay a fine of N5m.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege from Delta.

The bill was debated on May 24, and Omo-Agege said an end ought to be brought to the menace.

“Sexual harassment is a vice in our higher institutions. We are using this bill to send a message that enough is enough,” he had said.

Senator Dino Melaye supported the bill but said some students also make seductive advances at lecturers to gain academic favours.

“I support wholeheartedly that this bill be enacted to stand as deterrent to lecturers who take advantage of female students,” he had said.

The bill also provided prosecution for false witnesses and accusers.

The bill was passed into law on Thursday after the report of the committee on judiciary, human rights and legal matters was considered.

Oludolapo Adelana

Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.