The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has issued a stern warning to members of the university community, cautioning against the prevalence of sexual harassment on campuses. The Commission emphasized that sexual harassment is considered a corrupt practice, carrying potential imprisonment terms of not less than seven years.
Speaking at a “One Day Sensitisation Workshop on Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions” in Abuja on Wednesday, Mr. Clifford Oparaodu, the Secretary to the Commission, underscored the gravity of sexual harassment and the need for victims to be aware of their rights and avenues for seeking justice.
Oparaodu expressed deep concern that sexual gratification had, in many instances, become a form of “illegal tender” within academic institutions. He categorically stated, “Sexual harassment is a form of corruption,” and highlighted the deviation from the ethical norm when officials misuse their positions to demand or receive sexual favors.
Referring to Section 8 of the ICPC Act, Oparaodu outlined, “Any person who corruptly asks for, receives or obtains any property or benefit of any kind for himself or any other person is guilty of an offence of Official corruption and is liable to imprisonment for seven years.” He stressed that unlawful benefits, in this context, were not always pecuniary and lamented the concerning trend of sexual gratification being exchanged for academic grades or favors.
The ICPC Secretary acknowledged the unfortunate reality that fear of stigmatization or victimization often compels targets of such demands to succumb, perpetuating a culture of silence. Oparaodu affirmed ICPC’s commitment to ending this practice and highlighted the establishment of the Sexual Harassment Unit, specifically focused on preventing sexual harassment in tertiary and secondary institutions.
The purpose of the workshop, according to Oparaodu, is to educate students on how to easily contact the ICPC, report incidents of sexual harassment, and gather evidence to support the commission’s investigations. The ICPC aims to break the culture of silence surrounding sexual harassment through sensitization and effective policy implementation.