A man alleged to be a lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Awka, Anambra State, found himself at the receiving end of students’ fury after a female student accused him of sexual molestation.
The atmosphere at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) campus in Awka, Anambra State, turned tense and explosive after a female student raised an alarm alleging that a man — said to be one of the institution’s lecturers — had molested her.
What followed was swift and brutal. Angry students, unwilling to let the matter slide, took matters into their own hands — stripping the man completely and subjecting him to a thorough beating right on the spot.
Students React With Outrage
The incident, which has since been making rounds on social media, reflects the growing frustration among Nigerian university students over the long-standing culture of sexual harassment in higher institutions — a menace that has plagued campuses across the country for decades.
For many Nigerian students, especially women, the fear of being victimised by lecturers who weaponise grades and academic authority is all too real. The alleged victim’s accusation appeared to have been the breaking point for her fellow students, who wasted no time in delivering their own form of street justice.
A Familiar Problem on Nigerian Campuses
Sexual harassment in Nigerian universities is far from a new conversation. The “sex for grades” scandal has repeatedly made headlines, with undercover investigations — including a notable BBC Africa Eye exposé — revealing how some lecturers trade academic favours for sexual gratification.
Despite the establishment of various anti-sexual harassment policies by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and individual institutions, many students still report that official channels are slow, unreliable, or even hostile to victims who dare to speak up.
This reality often pushes students to resort to jungle justice — a dangerous but unfortunately common response across Nigeria when trust in formal institutions breaks down.
A Word of Caution
While the anger driving this reaction is completely understandable, it is important to note that jungle justice carries its own serious risks. Allegations, however serious, must still be properly investigated. An innocent person could easily be caught in the crossfire of mob action — and that is a scenario no one should be comfortable with.
The right approach remains reporting such incidents to the university’s sexual harassment committee, the police, or relevant student protection bodies, while also ensuring the matter is not swept under the rug.
The Bigger Picture
What this incident truly highlights is the urgent need for Nigerian universities to create safer, more accountable environments for students — particularly young women. Institutions must:
– Strengthen anti-sexual harassment policies and enforcement
– Establish truly independent and confidential reporting channels
– Ensure perpetrators face real consequences, not just quiet transfers or suspensions
– Educate both staff and students on what constitutes misconduct
Until universities take this responsibility seriously, scenes like the one at Unizik will continue to play out — and no one benefits from that chaos.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment on a Nigerian campus, you can reach out to the Mirabel Centre, Project Alert, or your institution’s student affairs office.
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