Sex for grades: Students not at fault even if they beg for it – GIMPA Lecturer

A lecturer with the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Dr Jemima Nunoo, has waded into the controversy of the sex for grade scandal that has rocked the country’s premier university.

She argues that female students are not in any way at fault even if they beg for it from the male lectures using herself as an example and how she treats students who go the extra mile trying to get undeserving favours.

“In the case of #SexForGrades the student is NEVER at fault. Even if they are willing. Even if they initiate it. Even if they beg for it. Even if they show you all the contours of their body. You see, the onus and responsibility lies with the lecturer”

Read the full text of her statement below:

In the case of #SexForGrades the student is NEVER at fault. Even if they are willing. Even if they initiate it. Even if they beg for it. Even if they show you all the contours of their body. You see, the onus and responsibility lies with the lecturer. It is your professionalism that matters. It’s your code of conduct that should lead the way. Even me, in all my innocent holiness, get students that would want to break the boundaries. Yes, even me! I get those students that want to have a one-on-one with you ‘in the house’. I get those students that want to ‘greet’ you at ungodly hours. Yet I shut them down fast and HARD should they make any attempt. Ain’t nobody got time for that!!!

However, let’s not pretend. The majority of these cases involve lecherous lecturers DEMANDING sex from students. The ones that prey on the students. The ones that use inappropriate language and comments when talking to students. The ones that stare too long and undress them with their eyes. The ones that lack self-control and discipline. The ones that are power-crazed and victimise students at any given chance. We know them!

The most painful part is that the system as it stands does not favour students. I was willing to put my job on the line when a student reported such an incident to me. Unfortunately, the student decided not to pursue it, for fear of victimisation. I was disappointed but I could understand her. She felt the sacrifice was too much. Given the kinds of conversation we are having about this sex for grades issue, her fears are legitimate. When will we understand that those in positions of responsibility must take full responsibility of their actions and conduct?