Lecturers’ Perception of Causes and Consequences Of Sexual Assault In Tertiary Institutions Of Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study survey the perception of lecturers on the causes and consequences of sexual assault in tertiary institutions of Kwara State, Nigeria. The population for the study comprised all tertiary institutions owned by Kwara State Government. Researcher purposively sample three tertiary institutions (Kwara State University, Kwara State College of Education Ilorin and Kwara State Polytechnic Ilorin) out of four institutions owned by the state. 300 respondents were randomly selected. Researcher designed questionnaire was used to elicit information from respondents.  The finding of the study reveals that inadequate security in the school premises, decline in the school cultural values and alcohol/drug consumption are the major causes of sexual assault in tertiary institutions. The study also reveals that sexual assault in the tertiary institutions brings about their poor projection image and lack of concentration in the study by the victim. The study therefore recommended that adequate security measure should be ensured in all nook and crannies of the school premises, provide Close Circuit Television (CCTV) in strategic places so as to monitor most ongoing activities. Schools, in conjunction with the students’ affairs unit, should organize workshop on the evils of sexual assault which will make them aware of the danger inherent in it. School authority should set up counseling centre in the school premises that will be dealing with issues of sexual assault. These are the best strategies to curb sexual assault in tertiary institutions.

Key words: Sexual assault, Rape, Perception, Causes and Consequences.