Notions (Sex For Grades)

A documentary was released yesterday titled "Sex for Grades". As the implies, it follows up a secret investigation in Nigeria Universities on lecturers whom many people have alleged harassed them sexually.

Now, first I should start by saying that I commend the lead reporter for the documentary, Kiki Mordi. Apparently, she experienced Sexual abuse in her first year in the University. It even made her drop outta School. I must confess that I really applaud her for the efforts she made in taking part of the investigation. Also, to the reporters who were brave enough to go undercover and pose as students, It's actually a huge feat.

Now, on to the sexual abuse, I really have no words. Personally, I have not had any experiences of that sort and I definitely do not want to undergo such. For one, it's an infringement of ones fundamental human right.

The case of sexual harassment or advancement from lecturers, or even anyone in authority does not anyone a choice. It's like being stuck between a rock and a hard wall. The options clearly puts one at disadvantage by default.

As such, many engage in the Sexual relations even though they do not want to. Sometimes, girls are raped without their consent. I use girls, not to exclude that guys do not experience abuse of that sort but because the study and research was Targeted towards the woman and that there are a few men who ever mentions anything of that sort.

Still on sexual harassment, it's a huge appalling situation. Nigeria is already hard as it is. In an institution where a person is supposed to be enlightened, the person is shoved into the hands of lecherous predators and the victim has got no choice.

Sometimes, the people in people make it seem as though they have a choice. Like the reporter in the documentary said, it's manipulation manifesting itself. Clearly, one is presented in a situation whereby she gives her consent for a relationship so that it would not be rape, per se. And if she refuses, she is left with the fail grade, and no chance of graduation.

At times, the victims are told that nothing can be done about it, Or that they are not ashamed of what they are doing. That even if the victims report, the system is not one that is designed to aid the person in the least.

In fact, the situation is that if one reports a lecturer, then the other lecturers would start targeting the student, failing than and all.

The truth is that this is not the first time that people have heard about sexual harassment from lecturers. It has happened to many people, University Undergraduates and others. I was so scared of getting admission in the first place.

Prior to getting admission to Unn, I even called my friend already a student to ask if there were lecturers that were lecherous and the level of corruption in the department. I was pacified considerably to an extent, and that was one of the reasons that I put my course.

This is not to say that I am vouching for my Department or even faculty, I am just saying that the situation in the country makes us suspicious and in a state whereby that one cannot comfortably pay a visit to a lecturer for clarification on a course, I am referring to the male lecturers now. I have never done that, and I doubt I will ever do that. I am vulnerable already as a woman and I hate to make myself more vulnerable.

This is not to dispute or castigate those people who like visiting lecturers for tutorials or lessons. It's just not what I do and my opinions does not excuse the lecturers who advance on students. Its a horrible and disgusting behavior and I am hoping that with this documentary that has been released, that the authorities will be more vocal in halting the rate of sexual harassment in the Universities.

Once again, I commend BBC Africa for the efforts they made in producing this and the women that were courageous enough to tell their own stories. Also, to the reporters that took the risk in entering the leer of the lechers themselves, I admire your fortitude.

On that note, I am ecstatic on the fact that documentary exists in Africa, Nigeria infact. I actually Intend on venturing into documentaries after graduation, or later in life. #SexForGrades just gave me hope. Pheww