Sexual bribery for grades has become a pervasive issue in Nigerian tertiary institutions, posing a significant barrier to quality education delivery. This unethical practice, predominantly perpetrated by some individuals within academia, exploits students’ aspirations to excel in exams or secure passing grades.

A 2019 World Bank Group study revealed alarming statistics: 70 percent of female graduates from surveyed institutions reported experiencing sexual harassment, with peers and lecturers as the primary perpetrators. Conversely, some female students also attempt to influence grades through seduction or financial incentives, complicating the landscape of academic integrity.

In this context, stories like Nuhu Baba’s are rare and commendable. As an examination officer at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Baba defied pressures to engage in inappropriate relationships with female students seeking academic favors. He firmly rejected such advances, emphasizing the importance of fairness and ethical conduct in his role.

“I could have easily given in to their demands and altered their grades unnoticed, but that’s not why I’m here. My duty is to ensure every student gets the grades they rightfully deserve,” Baba stated.

Baba’s integrity faced another test when a student offered him a bribe to manipulate a failing grade. Despite personal financial hardships, including his wife’s medical expenses, Baba refused the bribe, prioritizing the ethical standards of his profession.

“Accepting that money would have compromised my integrity. It was a tough decision, especially with my circumstances, but I submitted the result as it should be,” Baba recalled.

Nigerian universities have established codes of conduct that govern both students and staff. These codes prohibit behaviors that undermine academic integrity, including sexual harassment. Institutions like Osun State University’s code of conduct explicitly forbids any form of sexual misconduct by staff, with severe penalties for offenders.

In contemporary society, individuals who uphold integrity often face scrutiny and adversity. Baba’s unwavering commitment to ethical principles has earned him respect and made him a target of criticism and mockery. Despite these challenges, he remains steadfast in his convictions.

“I’ve been in compromising situations, tempted with gifts and emotional appeals, but I’ve always chosen to uphold my values and professional ethics,” Baba affirmed.

Baba was nominated for the 2020 Integrity Icon Award by one of his students, Amina Sulaiman, for his exemplary conduct through Accountability Lab Nigeria. According to Blessing Anolaba, a Program Officer at Accountability Lab, Baba’s actions set a powerful example for other educators facing similar ethical dilemmas.

“To combat the menace of sexual bribery in education, institutions must adopt and enforce clear policies against sexual misconduct,” Anolaba asserted.

She also called upon President Bola Tinubu to sign the Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Educational Institutions (Prohibition) Law, recently passed by the National Assembly. This law safeguards ethical standards and protects students and staff from harassment.

“When enacted, this law will establish zero tolerance for sexual misconduct, ensuring robust mechanisms for reporting and addressing violations,” Anolaba concluded.

Accountability Lab Nigeria’s Creative Storytelling Fellowship is proudly supported by the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Luminate.