Sexual Harassment on Campus: A Case Study of Federal College of Education, Obudu, Cross River State, Nigeria

Sexual harassment is a serious issue plaguing Nigerian Institutions, particularly in the tertiary institutions such as the Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, Universities, etc. Studies suggest a staggering prevalence, with up to 70% of female graduates reporting experiences of harassment. This paper examines sexual harassment on campuses with particular interest in the Federal College of Education, Obudu, in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study seek inter alia; to obtain baseline data on the forms and prevalence of campus-based sexual harassment in Federal College of Education (FCE), Obudu Campus and to ascertain the level of awareness and knowledge of sexual harassment among undergraduates in the College as it relates to campus-based sexual harassment. Literature review was carried out covering the concept of sexual harassment in Institutions of learning and its consequences. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey design and a total of 1408 students participated in the Campus Climate Survey on sexual harassment drawn from 8 Departments in the Campus. Data collected with the use of a well-structured Campus Climate Survey questionnaire were subjected to analysis using means and simple percentages descriptive statistics. The findings confirmed the existence of sexual harassment in FCE Obudu campus, though reported not to be on a rampant scale. Also, the behavior elements that indicate features of a hostile-environment harassment were reported with most likely occurrence on the campus. The policy implications of the findings were highlighted and recommendations were made towards the prevention of Sexual Harassment and victimization on the College Campus.