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The Nigerian Senate has passed a Motion on the growing trend of sexual
harassment in higher institutions of learning, with a spotlight on the
case of Monica Osagie.
Sponsored by Senator Biodun Olujimi, the Senate resolution also mandated
its Committees on Tertiary Institutions and Judiciary, Human Rights and
Legal Matters to carry-out a full scale investigation on the case of Miss
Monica Osagie and the OAU lecturer named in the ‘sex-for-grades’ scandal.
The resolution observed that Miss Osagie’s experience justified the
specificity and target of the Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions
bill passed by the Senate in 2016 — and the need to ensure that such
pervasion is curbed in places of learning.
Senator (Dr.) Abubakar Bukola Saraki, President of the Senate, commended
the bravery of Miss Osagie, while also stating that the Senate would work
to ensure that any member of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) that was
culpable, would be investigated and thoroughly disciplined.
“As we all know, we have passed this Bill as far back as 2016. Therefore,
we will definitely act — through the Leader and Management to see that
House of Representatives can quickly concur on this.
“We must show that we do not stand for this and we are not going to
tolerate it pending when the new Bill becomes law. I must commend the
bravery of Monica Osagie for her effort,” Saraki said.
“I rise to second the motion. This is the time for the Senate to rise up
and support the recommendations raised by the sponsor of the motion and
also, to invite those that have been affected as well,” said Senator
Gbenga Ashafa.
The Senate Motion also called on the House of Representatives to move
quickly to pass the Senate Bill on Sexual Harassment in Tertiary
Educational Institutions (Prohibition), which has already been transmitted
for concurrence.