By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International, has praised the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for securing the conviction of Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, over sexual harassment and exploitation of female students.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC described the judgment as a “landmark conviction” that reinforces the message that abuse of authority within Nigeria’s academic institutions will no longer be tolerated.
Rafsanjani stressed that sexual harassment amounts to gender-based corruption, adding that no individual, regardless of status, should exploit their position for personal advantage.
“Lecturers owe their students a duty of care and must uphold the highest ethical standards at all times,” he stated.
“Academic environments must be safe for young people, particularly young women who deserve dignity, respect, and protection.”
CISLAC urged victims and witnesses of sexual harassment to speak out, while calling on tertiary institutions to strengthen preventive policies, reporting structures, and disciplinary mechanisms that ensure the protection of students.
The organisation also noted its ongoing collaboration with ICPC and other partners through advocacy campaigns, sensitization initiatives, and its Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre (ALAC), which receives complaints, offers free legal guidance, and forwards verified cases to relevant authorities for necessary action.
Rafsanjani further commended the 10th National Assembly for passing the Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational Institutions Bill and appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sign it into law upon transmission.
“The bill, once enacted, will bolster accountability frameworks and ensure that offenders face the full weight of justice,” he added.
CISLAC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting survivors, advancing institutional reforms, and promoting safe, abuse-free learning environments across Nigerian campuses.
