CASE STUDY (IN THE LIGHT OF BBC
INVESTIGATION)
By Shalom & Mary
Highlights includes
1. Introduction to the problem of SG
2. Those that are involved
3. African Media House
4. Why BBC reported it
5. After effect of sex for grade
6. Possible solutions and conclusion
Introduction to the Problem of Sex for Grades
Yet again is the clash of interest with the discourse of
sexual abuse. #SexForGrades has the internet, social media and the world
walking on eggshells. Recent findings revealing what goes on in West African
universities; the University of Lagos and the University of Ghana, have brought
to light an expose on girls suffering in silence while smiling as they ponder
on how to move ahead in life carrying their baggage along with them.
It reveals the ordeals they have to face even as far as
dropping out because they cannot give the sex these men ask them for.
The voice of the voiceless seems to have found bravery in the
not so long Busola Dakolo’s revelation on rape.
Victims therein drawing strength from victims to speak more
on the matter, with the intent to bring to an end this high rising misogynistic
(hating women in particular) culture of rape and sexual abuse, consequently
killing it before it gets deeper than we can reach.
While some girls see it as a natural phenomenon to pass pass
exams, others are secretly suffering from the pain and anguish of having to
give their body to the so-called lecturers in other to be free from having to
rewrite their exams due to the fear of carryover. Proof that there are others
who still refuse to sell their body out no matter happens.
Those that are involved
It is not just enough to draw conclusion on the subject
matter but also to look at those that are highly affected by the sex for grades
syndrome
a. Lecturers who seek for sex in return for grades
b. Those who occupy position of interest in various
organization who seek sex in return for employment
c. Female folks who offer themselves to be used by these men
whether get job or sex for grades.
Why BBC reported Sex
For Grades
For the past two weeks, the Sex for Grades issue has been
trending.
At the centre of it are Boniface Igbeneghu and Samuel Oladipo
- Senior Lecturers of the University of Lagos, Akoka and Dr. Paul Kwame Butakor
and Ransford Gyampo of the University of Ghana. This is courtesy of the BBC
documentary - African Eye.
An undercover reporter, Kiki Mordi, posed as a 17-year-old
admission seeker to be able to get enough hints on the trending issue.
According to the viral video circulating on the various media
platforms, Mr. Boniface Igbeneghu allegedly proposed sex to Kiki Mordi and
unraveled UNILAG Senior Staff Club's "Cold Room" where innocent
undergraduates are sexually abused by randy lecturers. The affected lecturers
has since been suspended by the University and an Investigative Committee has
been established.
African Media House
Now to BBC conducting this secret research in Africa when we
have other media outfits like the AIT and Channels, will lead us to the concept
of International Communication and Media Audience.
International Communication can be defined as the
communication exchange or interaction transcending national, political,
cultural and economic boundaries and it is facilitated by the interdependence
of nations, groups and individuals. This lays claim to the fact that no
individual can live independent of the others.
Media Audience can be defined as one of the key agents that
control international media. They determine what they want to read, hear or
watch. With this consumption power vested on the media audience, media outputs
follow what the media audience considered consumable.
By this definition, the BBC which is an international media
has conducted a research which cuts across national boundaries involving organizations
and government of different territories; is of interest to the international
audience and of international value.
Education falls within the scope of International
Communication and is one of the fastest growing fields in the world today.
There is a lot of progress and development in education across countries as a
result of boundless communication interactions among scholars and students of
various discipline. We cannot afford to sit back and watch a group of people
deliberately destroy the combined efforts to build it.
After Effect of SG
a. It could lead to low self esteem
b. Unwanted pregnancy
c. Poor academic performance
d. Many may end up getting infected with disease e.g.
HIV/AIDS, STD and so on.
e. May end up committing suicide.
Possible Solutions to
SG
Tackling female sexual harassment head-on requires more than
suspension or dismissal of culprits.
In the United States, the approach is much more radical.
It is a criminal act and should be treated as such. There are
bye laws that guild such act.
In the United States, the approach is much more radical.
Universities are, by law, required to protect students against sexual
harassment.
a. The Governing Councils and Vice Chancellors must institute
mechanisms that will ensure that the depravity is vehemently confronted.
b. They must enact
code of conduct governing female students- teachers relationship, which must be
religiously monitored.
c. Female victims should be encouraged to speak out and be
protected by the authorities from victimisation.
d. Students’ union governments on all campuses, which are supposed to be
vibrant platforms for combating this vice and seeking the welfare of female
students, should wake up now.
e. Universities need to update their discipline procedures to
address harassment, provide clear information on how to report an incident and
offer greater support for students who report harassment.
f. Organize periodic training and campaign for staff and
students on sexual harassment will help in keeping the scourge on the
front-burner of university life.
Conclusion
This is a challenge to our local media to sit up and not to
use any opportunity to address issues like this as vendetta either for
political purposes or the popular "Pull Him Down" Syndrome.
Reference
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-africa-49907376/sex-for-grades-undercover-in-west-african-universities
https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Sex-for-grades-How-BBC-reported-Gyampo-Butakor-interdiction-788574
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we-F0Gi0Lqs
https://www.okayafrica.com/interview-with-kiki-mordi-nigerian-journalist-behind-sex-for-grades/
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