…Defaulters Liable to Punishment Under Law
…Students’ Roles and Punishments for Unruly Acts
Concerns have been raised by students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) regarding the teaching environment, specifically the use of inappropriate language and instances of harassment during lectures.
Spanning across major departments in the institution, lecturers have been reported to disrespect and harass students.
Some lecturers are alleged to have exploited their power over female students on campus, threatening to give them carry-overs if they do not comply.
This behavior is against national laws and policies protecting students in Nigeria.
Nigerian students have the right to a safe and respectful learning environment, free from harassment and abuse.
To ensure this, various laws and policies have been established to safeguard students against lecturers’ misconduct, particularly the use of abusive language.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) Act of 1974 sets the tone for students’ protection, prohibiting harassment, including verbal abuse.
Similarly, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Act of 1993 emphasizes students’ welfare and protection. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015 is another crucial piece of legislation that prohibits both verbal and non-verbal abuse. This law sends a strong message that lecturers’ misconducts will not be tolerated. These laws demonstrate the Nigerian government’s commitment to creating a conducive learning environment.
In addition to laws, various policies have been developed to promote students’ well-being. The National Policy on Education (2013) prioritizes students’ welfare, safety, and protection. The Code of Conduct for Lecturers in Nigerian Universities (2017) explicitly prohibits harassment, including verbal abuse. Additionally, the University Governance and Management Guidelines (2019) address lecturer-student relationships.
Regulatory bodies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Council of Heads of Polytechnics and Colleges of Education (COHEADS), and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) have vowed to play a crucial role in enforcing these laws and policies. Students can report incidents of abusive language or harassment to these bodies.
Reporting mechanisms are also in place within universities. Students can turn to university’s management, student affairs departments, lecturer evaluation committees, or the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for support.
Lecturers, who therefore violate these policies and laws, are liable to face consequences, which may include disciplinary action, prosecution under relevant laws, and loss of professional certification.
Reporting incidents and seeking support, students can help create a safer, more respectful learning environment.
Students’ Roles, Punishments For Unruly Act
Although students are the most vulnerable, they also have a vital role to play in achieving a conducive learning environment essential for academic success. Nigerian institutions have established rules and policies guiding student conduct on campus. These regulations promote respect, safety, and academic integrity, ensuring students can focus on their studies without distractions.
General rules include respecting authority and fellow students, refraining from harassment and substance abuse, and protecting school property. Academic policies enforce academic integrity, examination rules, and assignment submission guidelines. Institutions also have codes of conduct addressing dress codes, social media usage, and visitation policies.
Disciplinary procedures, such as warnings, suspension, or expulsion, are in place for non-compliance.
Additionally, institutions offer support services like counseling, academic advising, and career guidance to help students succeed. Specific policies address anti-harassment, disability support, equality, and data protection.
Students must therefore familiarize themselves with these rules and policies, which are outlined in institutional documents like student handbooks, prospectuses, and academic calendars.
While Nigerian students are protected by a robust framework of laws and policies against lecturer misconduct, they also have a vital role to play in ensuring a conducive learning environment.
Educational institutions are urged to uphold these laws and policies, ensuring students’ rights are protected and their education is not compromised.