Lagos Lecturer Sentenced to Life in Prison for Raping Student: A Defining Verdict in Nigeria’s Fight Against Sexual Violence

In a landmark ruling that underscores the Nigerian judiciary's commitment to combating sexual violence in educational institutions, a Lagos State Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced Kolawole Muyiwa, a part-time lecturer at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, to life imprisonment for raping a student.

This judgment is a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against sexual abuse in Nigerian academia, sending a strong message that perpetrators will face the full weight of the law.

The Case: Betrayal of Trust in an Academic Institution

On October 11, 2021, the victim, a dedicated student at the college, arrived early for a departmental meeting. As she waited outside her classroom, Muyiwa approached her, asking for help to buy food. Initially hesitant due to the scheduled meeting, she eventually agreed.

Upon reaching his office, the lecturer altered his request, asking her to assist in marking examination scripts. Shortly after, he locked the office door and the passage gate, creating a harrowing situation. The victim recounted how he forcibly overpowered her, disregarding her pleas and resistance. Even as she informed him she was menstruating, Muyiwa showed no remorse, violating her in a brutal assault.

His final words to her, “What you refused to give me willingly, I have taken by force,” encapsulated the sheer horror of the crime.

The prosecution, led by the Lagos State Government, built a solid case against Muyiwa, presenting three critical witnesses:

1. The Victim – who gave a detailed and consistent account of the incident.
2. Caroline Ibe (Vice Chairperson, FIDA, Badagry Branch) – who interviewed the victim and inspected the crime scene.
3. Olufunke (Investigating Police Officer) – who presented forensic evidence and corroborating testimonies.

Despite his defense, where Muyiwa claimed that his relationship with the victim was consensual, the court found his testimony riddled with contradictions. Justice Rahman Oshodi dismissed his claims, branding him a “pathological liar.” The court's final ruling sentenced Muyiwa to life imprisonment and mandated that his name be added to the Lagos State Sex Offender Register.

This case is not an isolated incident. Sexual harassment and rape in Nigerian universities and colleges have become an alarming crisis. In recent years, several high-profile cases have made headlines:

• April 2022: Collins Okechukwu was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping and robbing a 25-year-old University of Lagos student.
• August 2020: John Osagie Otema, a University of Lagos alumnus, was sentenced to 50 years for raping a 19-year-old student.
• 2019 BBC Investigation: Sex-for-Grades Scandal exposed widespread sexual abuse by university lecturers in Nigeria and Ghana.

These cases highlight the urgent need for systemic reforms in Nigerian educational institutions to prevent such abuses.

Nigeria's Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), enacted in 2015, aims to address gender-based violence, including rape and sexual assault. However, the effectiveness of this law is hindered by inconsistent adoption across Nigerian states. Many regions, particularly in the north, have yet to fully domesticate the Act, leaving victims vulnerable and perpetrators unpunished.

Key Provisions of the VAPP Act:

• Defines rape as non-consensual penetration under any circumstances.
• Prescribes life imprisonment for convicted rapists.
• Mandates compensation for survivors.
• Establishes Sex Offenders Registers to track convicted perpetrators.

Despite these provisions, weak law enforcement, cultural stigma, and victim-blaming continue to hinder justice for survivors.

The sentencing of Kolawole Muyiwa is a watershed moment in Nigeria’s legal history. It sets a precedent that no one—regardless of social status—can evade justice for sexual crimes. However, a broader strategy is required to ensure a lasting impact.

Strategies for Preventing Sexual Violence in Nigerian Schools

1. Mandatory Sex Education: Teaching students about consent and sexual rights from an early age.
2. Stronger Institutional Policies: Universities and colleges must implement zero-tolerance policies against sexual misconduct.
3. Whistleblower Protection: Creating anonymous reporting systems to encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
4. Fast-Track Legal Proceedings: Reducing delays in sexual assault trials to ensure timely justice for victims.
5. Survivor Support Services: Providing counseling, legal aid, and medical assistance for survivors.

While the Muyiwa case represents a legal victory, it also serves as a sobering reminder of the deep-rooted issue of sexual violence in Nigerian institutions. To dismantle the culture of impunity, all stakeholders—including the government, educational institutions, and civil society—must work together to create a safer environment for students.

Sexual violence should never be tolerated, excused, or downplayed. With stronger laws, unwavering enforcement, and a shift in societal attitudes, Nigeria can move toward a future where students can pursue education without fear of harassment or abuse.