Background Study on Sexual Assault Among Undergraduates

1. Introduction

Sexual assault remains a pervasive issue in higher institutions worldwide, with

university campuses often reflecting the wider societal patterns of gender-based
violence. Undergraduates, especially women, face a heightened risk of experiencing
sexual harassment, coercion, and assault due to a combination of social,
environmental, and institutional factors. Despite increased awareness and advocacy,
the issue remains underreported and frequently overlooked in institutional policies
and national statistics. This background study explores the nature, causes,
prevalence, and consequences of sexual assault among undergraduate students,
focusing particularly on the Nigerian context but also drawing from global
research.Sexual assault is broadly defined as any non-consensual sexual act or
behavior, ranging from unwanted touching to rape. According to the World Health
Organization (WHO), sexual violence includes any sexual act, attempt to obtain a
sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, directed
against a person’s sexuality using coercion. On university campuses, these acts can
occur in various settings, including hostels, lecture rooms, parties, and even
during interactions with lecturers or fellow students.Undergraduate students are
especially vulnerable due to a lack of awareness, social pressures, and sometimes
dependence on authority figures for grades, accommodations, or support. In many
cases, the perpetrators are known to the victims, making it psychologically complex
to report or confront the issue.Research has shown alarming rates of sexual assault
among undergraduate students worldwide. A study by the Association of American
Universities in the U.S. (2020) found that one in four undergraduate women reported
experiencing non-consensual sexual contact during their college years. In Nigeria,
studies indicate similarly disturbing trends. For instance, a 2021 research
conducted in six Nigerian universities revealed that over 40% of female
undergraduates had experienced some form of sexual harassment or assault, often by
peers or lecturers.Several factors contribute to underreporting, including stigma,
fear of retaliation, cultural taboos, and distrust in institutional support
systems. Many survivors are discouraged by the belief that nothing will be done or
that they will be blamed or shamed for the incident.
The Nigerian context presents unique challenges in addressing sexual assault among
undergraduates. Deep-rooted patriarchal norms, victim-blaming tendencies, and a
culture of silence often hinder efforts to address the issue effectively. In many
Nigerian tertiary institutions, the power imbalance between students and lecturers
is a significant driver of sexual exploitation and harassment. “Sex-for-grades”
scandals, which have made national headlines, reveal how some lecturers demand
sexual favors in exchange for academic advantages.
Additionally, the lack of proper reporting channels, insufficient disciplinary
measures, and minimal awareness campaigns create an enabling environment for
perpetrators. Some institutions lack clear policies on sexual misconduct, and even
where policies exist, enforcement is often weak or non-existent.
Sexual assault has far-reaching effects on victims, especially undergraduate
students who are at a critical developmental stage. Psychologically, survivors may
experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, suicidal
ideation, and low self-esteem. These emotional and mental health issues can
significantly disrupt their academic performance, leading to poor grades,
absenteeism, and in extreme cases, withdrawal from school.Furthermore, survivors
may isolate themselves socially, struggle with trust issues, or engage in risky
behaviors as a coping mechanism. The academic environment, instead of being a safe
space for learning and growth, becomes a source of fear and trauma. While some
universities have taken steps to address sexual assault such as establishing sexual
harassment policies, hotlines, and counseling centers these efforts are often
inadequate. There remains a lack of accountability in many institutions, and
perpetrators frequently go unpunished. Survivors, on the other hand, are sometimes
coerced into silence, face intimidation, or are advised to “forgive and move
on.”The response is further weakened by the absence of national legislation
specifically tailored to address sexual violence in tertiary institutions. While
Nigeria has passed laws like the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP),
implementation across states and in universities remains inconsistent.Peer dynamics
and the pervasive influence of social media also play a role in either promoting or
combating sexual assault. In some cases, peer groups may normalize aggressive
sexual behaviors or dismiss survivors’ claims. Social media, however, has become a
powerful tool for raising awareness and breaking the silence around sexual assault.
Campaigns like #SayNoToRape and #SexForGrades have empowered many survivors to
speak up and demand accountability.Yet, social media can also become a source of
secondary victimization when survivors face cyberbullying, disbelief, or public
shaming after sharing their stories online Sexual assault among undergraduate
students is a pressing issue that demands urgent and sustained attention. While
awareness has grown in recent years, especially due to student activism and media
exposure, there is still a long way to go in ensuring that university campuses are
safe for all students. Tackling this issue requires a multi-dimensional approach,
including strong institutional policies, comprehensive sex education, survivor-
centered support services, and a cultural shift toward believing and supporting
victims.

Educational institutions must not only enforce punitive measures against

perpetrators but also foster a culture of consent, respect, and equity. Only then
can undergraduates, particularly women, thrive in environments that support their
academic and personal development free from fear and harassment.

Statement of Problem: Sexual Assault Among Undergraduates in Osun State, Nigeria

Sexual assault among undergraduate students in Osun State, Nigeria, remains a
pervasive and deeply troubling issue, posing significant threats to the safety,
well-being, and academic success of students. Despite increasing awareness and
advocacy efforts, recent studies continue to highlight the alarmingly high
prevalence, diverse forms, and devastating consequences of this problem within
tertiary institutions.
Recent research indicates a concerning prevalence of sexual assault among Nigerian
undergraduates, including those in the Southwest region where Osun State is
located. While specific data solely for Osun State universities might be limited,
broader Nigerian studies provide crucial insights. For instance, a study published
in the African Journal of Reproductive Health (undated, but referenced in recent
articles) found that 13.8% of female Nigerian students surveyed had experienced
sexual assault, with lecturers and fellow students being perpetrators in a
significant number of cases. Another study on sexual abuse among female
undergraduates in Imo State (Southeast Nigeria), also referenced in recent
literature, reported a current prevalence of 15.2% and a lifetime prevalence of
34%, with common forms including fondling/grabbing of sensitive body parts and
rape. A more recent national study (published ~September 2024) revealed that 37% of
Nigerian higher education students reported experiencing sexual violence (rape,
attempted rape, and sexual harassment).
The true extent of the problem is likely much higher due to widespread
underreporting. Victims often face immense pressure to remain silent due to fear of
stigma, victim-blaming, lack of trust in reporting mechanisms, and fear of
retaliation from perpetrators, especially when lecturers or influential figures are
involved.Sexual assault manifests in various forms, extending beyond physical rape
to include unwanted touching, sexual jokes, persistent demands for sexual favors,
and "sex for grades" or "sex for favor" (as highlighted in the Imo State study).
Perpetrators are not limited to male lecturers, but also include fellow students,
intimate partners, and even staff members. This complex dynamic makes it difficult
for victims to identify and escape abusive situations.The impact of sexual assault
on undergraduate students is multifaceted and severe, affecting their academic
performance, mental health, and overall well-being. Recent articles emphasize
consequences such as:
 * Psychological Trauma: Victims often experience persistent sadness, anxiety,
fear, trauma, depression, low self-esteem, withdrawal syndrome, and aggressive
behavior (ResearchGate, "Sexual Harassment and Psychological Consequence among
Students in Higher Education Institution in Osun State, Nigeria").
* Academic Disruption: Sexual assault can lead to poor academic performance,
difficulty concentrating, and in some cases, students dropping out of school.
* Physical Health Risks: These include unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted
infections (STIs), and other physical injuries.
* Social Isolation and Stigmatization: Victims may face stigmatization from their
families and communities, leading to social isolation.
* Loss of Trust: Sexual assault erodes trust in educational institutions and
authority figures, creating a hostile learning environment.
While some support services exist in Nigeria (e.g., helplines, NGOs, and the
National Human Rights Commission), their accessibility and effectiveness
specifically within Osun State universities are often insufficient. Many
institutions lack robust, well-publicized, and confidential reporting mechanisms,
as well as adequate counseling, legal, and medical support for survivors. The
absence of strict penalties and inconsistent enforcement of anti-sexual harassment
policies further emboldens perpetrators and discourages victims from coming
forward.
In conclusion, sexual assault among undergraduate students in Osun State, Nigeria,
is a critical public health and safety concern marked by high prevalence, diverse
forms of abuse, profound negative impacts on victims, and persistent challenges in
reporting and support. Addressing this problem effectively requires comprehensive,
multi-pronged interventions involving robust institutional policies, accessible
support services, effective legal frameworks, and sustained public awareness
campaigns.

Research questions about sexual assault among undergraduates in Osun State,

Nigeria:
• What is the prevalence and nature of sexual assault among Osun State
undergraduates?
• What factors contribute to sexual assault incidents in Osun State universities?
• How effective are current policies and support systems in addressing sexual
assault within Osun State higher institutions?

Research objectives about sexual assault among undergraduates in Osun State,

Nigeria:
• To determine the prevalence and common forms of sexual assault experienced by
undergraduates in Osun State universities.
• To identify the key contributing factors to sexual assault among undergraduates
in Osun State, encompassing institutional, socio-cultural, and individual elements.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of existing anti-sexual assault policies and
support systems, and identify barriers to reporting, within Osun State
universities.

Significance of study
Sexual assault is often underreported due to stigma, fear of reprisal, and lack of
trust in justice systems. Research specific to Osun State can provide localized
data on the prevalence, patterns, and characteristics of sexual assault within its
universities. This granular understanding is vital, as national or regional
statistics might not fully capture the nuances of the issue in this particular
context. Recent articles, while providing broader Nigerian statistics (e.g., a
national study finding 37% of higher education students experienced sexual
violence), emphasize the need for context-specific data to inform targeted
interventions.
Studies help to identify the specific demographics of students most at risk (e.g.,
gender, year of study, academic program, religion, and geographical origin, as seen
in the national Nigerian study). They also shed light on the common perpetrators
(lecturers, fellow students, intimate partners) and the contexts in which these
assaults occur (e.g., secret corners, school/office, clubs). This detailed
information is crucial for developing prevention strategies that address the actual
dynamics of sexual assault in Osun State universities.
Research illuminates the devastating physical, psychological, and academic
consequences of sexual assault on undergraduate students. Recent articles
consistently highlight impacts such as anxiety, depression, poor academic
performance, social isolation, and even physical health risks like STIs and
unwanted pregnancies. Understanding these impacts is essential for advocating for
and developing comprehensive support services for survivors, including counseling,
medical care, and legal aid.
Informing Policy and Intervention Development
The findings from such studies provide evidence-based data to inform the
development and implementation of effective anti-sexual assault policies and
intervention programs within Osun State universities. This includes:
Developing robust reporting mechanisms: Knowing why students don't report (fear,
lack of trust) can help create safer, more confidential, and survivor-centered
reporting systems.Understanding common forms of assault and perpetrator profiles
allows for awareness campaigns that educate students on consent, healthy
relationships, and bystander intervention.Research can expose gaps in existing
policies and their enforcement, pressuring universities to take stronger action
against perpetrators and ensure justice for survivors. As noted in recent articles,
institutional support, or the lack thereof, can hinder efforts to address sexual
harassment.

Scope of the Study

Undergraduate students (male and female) enrolled in these institutions.
How common sexual assault is and its various manifestations (e.g., unwanted
touching, "sex for grades," rape), referencing high rates seen in broader Nigerian
studies (e.g., 37% in a recent national study).Identification of who commits these
acts (lecturers, fellow students, staff), noting that "other students" are often a
significant group (University World News, Dec 2024).The academic, psychological,
and social consequences for survivors.Why incidents are (or are not) reported,
highlighting common barriers like fear of stigma and lack of institutional support
(University World News, Dec 2024).Assessment of existing anti-sexual assault
policies and support services within the specific Osun State university context.

Definition of term
* Sexual Assault: Any sexual act or behavior performed on someone without their
explicit, free, and informed consent. This includes a range of acts, not just rape.
Nigeria's Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act broadly defines this as
non-consensual sexual contact.
* Undergraduate: A student enrolled in a university or college program working
towards their first degree (e.g., Bachelor's).
* Consent: A clear, voluntary, specific, and unambiguous agreement to engage in
sexual activity. Consent cannot be given if someone is incapacitated (e.g., drunk,
drugged, unconscious), coerced, threatened, or if it's obtained through fraud. "No
means No" is a fundamental principle.
* Rape: Non-consensual sexual penetration (vaginal, anal, or oral) of another
person with any body part or object. Nigerian laws (Criminal Code, Penal Code, VAPP
Act) emphasize the lack of consent or consent obtained by force, threat, or
fraudulent representation.
* Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that demeans,
humiliates, or creates a hostile or intimidating environment. This can be physical,
verbal (e.g., persistent demands for sex, offensive jokes), or non-verbal (e.g.,
inappropriate gestures, showing pornography). "Sex for grades" or "sex for favors"
falls under this category.