By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency Inter...
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International, has commended the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for securing the conviction of Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, over sexual harassment and exploitation of female students.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC described the verdict as a “landmark conviction” that sends a clear message that abuse of power within Nigeria’s tertiary institutions will no longer be tolerated.
Rafsanjani noted that sexual harassment is a form of gender-based corruption and stressed that no individual, regardless of position, has the right to misuse authority for personal gain.
“Lecturers have a duty of care towards their students and must uphold it at all times,” the statement read. “Institutions of learning must remain safe spaces for young people, especially young women, who deserve dignity, respect, and protection.”
CISLAC urged victims and witnesses of sexual harassment to speak up and encouraged tertiary institutions to strengthen policies and reporting systems that protect students.
The organisation also highlighted its long-standing partnership with the ICPC and other stakeholders through advocacy campaigns, sensitisation programmes, and its Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre (ALAC), which receives complaints, provides free legal guidance, and forwards verified cases to the appropriate authorities.
Rafsanjani further commended the Senate and House of Representatives of the 10th National Assembly for passing the Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational Institutions Bill.
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to promptly assent to the bill once transmitted, stressing that its enactment would be a critical step toward curbing the rising cases of sexual exploitation on campuses.
“The bill, once signed into law, will strengthen accountability and ensure that offenders face the full weight of justice,” Rafsanjani said.
CISLAC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting survivors, promoting institutional reforms, and ensuring that Nigerian campuses become environments where students can learn without fear of intimidation, exploitation, or abuse.
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