NANS Alleges Female Student Was Pressured Into Sex-for-Grades by Department Head in Ondo

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has alleged that a female student at a tertiary institution in Ondo State was coerced into a sexual relationship by her Head of Department (HOD) in exchange for passing a compulsory course required for graduation.

In a statement issued on Friday, NANS President Akinteye Babatunde said the student had only one outstanding course left before completing her studies. After reportedly failing the course again, she approached the lecturer, who also served as the Head of Department, to understand why she could not pass.

According to NANS, the lecturer allegedly told the student that she would never pass the course unless she agreed to his sexual demands. The association claimed the student eventually complied because she believed it was the only way to graduate.

NANS further alleged that the lecturer later continued contacting the student and invited her to his residence, suggesting that the sexual relationship would have to continue before she could receive final academic clearance.

The student reportedly sought help from the NANS president, who said he contacted the institution's authorities. He claimed that within a few hours, the student was cleared to complete her graduation process.

Akinteye said the student chose not to publicly identify herself or the lecturer involved because she feared victimisation and only wanted to complete her education without further harassment.

He described the incident as part of a wider problem of sexual harassment and exploitation in higher institutions, stressing that many victims remain silent due to fear of retaliation, stigma, and intimidation.

The NANS president urged students facing sexual harassment or exploitation to report such cases to the association, assuring them that complaints would be handled confidentially and professionally.

NANS did not reveal the name of the institution, the lecturer, or the student involved. As of the time of the statement, the allegations had not been independently verified, and the institution had not issued an official response.

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