PERCEPTION OF SEXUAL HARASSEMENT AMONG STUDENTS OF NASARAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, KEFFI

This study examines the perception of sexual harassment among students and lecturers of Nasarawa State University' Keffi. Sexual Harassment is an unsolicited and unwelcome sexual advance which could be verbal conduct such as sexually suggestive comment, while the non-verbal sexual harassment includes gestures or unwanted physical contact including leering looks, touching, pestering as well as the request for a date or sex. Such behaviour ultimately places the harassed at a disadvantage. The study also examines the nature and trend of Sexual Harassment as well as assessing the perpetration of Sexual Harassment as to who harasses who in Nasarawa State University, Keffi. The study reviewed several literature and adopted Socio-Cultural theory as theoretical framework. Based on the nature of the research, 378 questionnaires were distributed and analyzed using simple percentage. Findings reveal that female students in Nasarawa State University, Keffi experienced sexual harassment than the male which often affect them in pursing academic excellence. The study concludes that Sexual Harassment is a recurring phenomenon in Tertiary Institutions and has affected female students more than the male, in their attempt to access opportunities and facilities on campus. Thus, female students tend to bear the burden and the cost for sexual harassment However, the study recommends that there should be creation of awareness, public anti harassment campaigns and sensitization, to draw attention to the abuse of women's rights by such acts and also that the university should formulate appropriate policy and grievance procedures, with appropriate punishments listed for offenders