By Nmerichukwu Igweamaka
A Non-Government Organisation, SOFADONDO, on Thursday announced plans to fight the scourge of sex-for-grades in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
SOFADONDO in a statement issued in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, demanded that “the scourge of Sex for Grades/Grades for Sex must stop”.
The group in the statement signed by its convener, Dr Albert Obiozo said its membership comprising of Nigerian professionals are concerned about the increasing wave of sex for grades in virtually all tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
According to the group, the adverse effect of the menace results to decline in education standards and mass number of half-baked graduates in the society.
The group noted that it is bothered about the problem and is determined to ensure all legitimate steps enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution are taken to expose purveyors of sex for grades/grades for sex in our tertiary institutions.
The statement reads in part: “SOFADONDO has a commitment to be the voice of the voiceless, the vulnerable, the oppressed and the downtrodden against all forms of sexual harassment.
“Our goal is to advocate for justice, fairness and engender a safer society.
“We are also committed to sensitise the society on the dangers of molestation, intimidation and sexual harassment and stand against same in our institutions of learning and society at large.
“We would also advocate against the abuse of power, authority and intimidation of citizens by anyone in authority especially against the innocent, oppressed and indigent members of the society.
“SOFADONDO would bring to the public sphere cases of such intimidation and harassment and help find lasting solutions.”
The group urged victims of sexual exploitation in tertiary institutions to report by visiting the organisation’s website at www.sofadondo.org, or its twitter handle and facebook page.
SOFADONDO pledged that it would treat cases with the diligence it deserves, allayed fears of witch-hunting noting that it would ensure fairness for all parties.
It commended authorities of tertiary institutions that have taken steps to investigate cases brought to its attention and solicited for cooperation from management of tertiary institutions to stamp out the ugly trend.
“In SOFADONDO we shall treat cases with all the seriousness and diligence required. We are not out to witch-hunt anybody or destroy careers. We shall pursue all cases by being fair to all parties.
“We are aware that lecturers are also victims from female students. We condemn in its entirety reported behaviours of some female students who rather than study hard to pass exams prefer to offer sex for grades to join the crowd of uneducated graduates in the society.
“Affected lecturers owe it a duty to the school and the society at large to retain the trust vested in them to expose such students so that they can be punished in line with relevant laws of the School.
“We shall work closely with Management of tertiary institutions to create the needed awareness to stop sex for grades/grades for sex” SOFADONDO stated.
On the recent cases of sex for grades in some tertiary institutions, the group said it is following the cases to ensure that none is swept under the carpet.
It said it would work with all relevant law enforcement agencies for prompt prosecution of indicted persons to serve as deterrent to others.
“SOFADONDO is aware of recently published incidents of sex for grades in three Nigerian Universities.
“In one of the cases, the indicted lecturer has been dismissed from the University but that should not be the end of the case.
“We are following the case and we would expect he is prosecuted by relevant authorities for justice to be served. The other two cases are still being investigated.
“We shall keep the public abreast on these and others that would come to our attention,” the group stated.