The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Niger State has pledged its commitment to partner with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in the fight against “sex-for-marks” in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
The Niger State Coordinator of ICPC, Mr. Kennedy Ebhotemey, made this known while receiving members of FIDA’s executive in Niger State, led by its Chairperson, Barrister Bolanle Jibogun.
Mr. Ebhotemey stated that the ICPC, as part of its statutory mandate, is committed to bringing to justice any lecturers who harass female students for sex in exchange for academic grades.
“ICPC will partner with FIDA, a gender-based non-governmental organization, to fight the growing scourge of sexual harassment and intimidation by lecturers in our tertiary institutions,” he said. “The Commission is mandated to ensure that those involved are prosecuted.”
He expressed concern over the increasing rate of corruption in Nigeria’s higher institutions, especially the disturbing trend of lecturers demanding sex from female students in exchange for grades.
“The ICPC is particularly alarmed by the conduct of some lecturers who deliberately fail female students for refusing to give in to sexual advances. It is deeply troubling,” he said. “As a commission mandated to tackle such corruption, we will continue to collaborate and synergize with your organization to ensure offenders are brought to book.”
Mr. Ebhotemey added that although he has only been in the state for three months and has not yet received official reports of “sex-for-marks” cases, the commission is proactively taking measures to tackle the issue.
He described as “painful” the situation where lecturers, who are paid with public funds to educate and guide students, end up exploiting them.
He also called on well-meaning organizations, agencies, and individuals to support the ICPC in collectively fighting corruption. “Even though we are fighting corruption, corruption is fighting us back,” he remarked.
Earlier, FIDA Chairperson Barrister Bolanle Jibogun told the ICPC State Coordinator that their visit was part of FIDA’s ongoing advocacy to security and anti-corruption agencies in Niger State, aimed at strengthening collaboration in the fight against gender-based violence affecting girls, women, and other vulnerable groups.
She emphasized that since the ICPC has the mandate to investigate and prosecute corruption and related offenses, it was essential for FIDA to engage the Commission as a partner in efforts to curb societal vices.
Barrister Jibogun formally requested the ICPC’s support in advancing the fight against gender-based violence in the state.
