Patterns and Causes of Sexual Harassment in Nigerian Universities as Perceived by Undergraduate of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

The paper investigated the patterns and causes of sexual harassment in Nigerian universities as perceived by undergraduates of the University of Ilorin. A total of 600 undergraduates were selected using stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected from the respondents with the use of an instrument titled “Patterns and Causes of Sexual Harassment Questionnaire” (PCSHQ). The hypotheses generated were analysed using the students’ t-test statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 005 alpha level. The study identified the major patterns of sexual harassment as asking questions about students’ sexual life, telling sexual jokes and requesting visits. Causes of sexual harassment as identified by the respondents include academic weakness, non-sanctioning of offenders and absence of national legislation on sexual harassment. The study indicated no significant difference in the perception of patterns and causes of sexual harassment on the basis of respondents’ gender. However, there was a significant difference in the perception of causes of sexual harassment based on respondents’ age. Recommendations were made on the desirability of establishing Counselling centres in Institutions of Higher Learning in Nigeria. Students need to be educated on the behaviours that predispose them to causes of sexual harassment (e.g. indecent dressing and late submission of assignments). Procedure for reportage of incidence of sexual harassment should also be made known to the students.