Prevalence of Sexual Predation, Institutional Camouflage and Knowledge Building in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria
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This study examined the prevalence of sexual predation and institutional knowledge-building in educational institutions in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria. It was guided by the hypothesis that socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, income level, and institutional type significantly influence the likelihood of experiencing sexual predation, and that institutional response affects reporting behaviours and knowledge awareness. A cross-sectional survey design was used. The study area included schools across Ibadan Metropolis selected due to growing concern over sexual misconduct in schools and weak institutional mechanisms for protection and accountability. A total of 415 students participated in the study. Respondents were selected using purposive and convenience sampling to ensure representation sociodemographics. Participants were internet users capable of completing Google Forms, which was used to administer the questionnaire. The structured questionnaire gathered data on participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, personal or witnessed experiences with sexual predation, reporting behaviours, and perceptions of institutional responses. Questions were designed to capture the frequency, types, perpetrators, and locations of incidents. Likert-scale items were included to assess the perceived adequacy of institutional response and support systems. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were used to summarize demographic characteristics and prevalence rates. Binary logistic regression was employed to determine which socio-demographic factors significantly predicted the likelihood of experiencing sexual predation. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and all tests were conducted at a significance level of p < 0.05. Findings showed that sexual predation is a serious and underreported problem within the study area. Female students were significantly more likely than male students to report experiencing sexual predation. Perpetrators were often older students, teachers, or non-academic staff. Incidents frequently occurred in classrooms, dormitories, offices, and isolated campus areas. Many students chose not to report due to fear, shame, or mistrust of institutional support systems. Perceptions of institutional response were largely negative, with many participants indicating that schools either ignored reports or failed to take action. The data confirm the research hypothesis and suggest that vulnerability is shaped by both individual and institutional factors. Poor reporting culture and institutional silence allow predation to persist. The findings call for stronger prevention and reporting mechanisms, capacity building among staff, and student empowerment strategies. This study provides evidence to inform school policies, awareness campaigns, and legislative interventions that protect students and promote safer learning environments in Nigerian schools.
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A total of 415 students participated in the study. Respondents were selected using purposive and convenience sampling to ensure representation across gender, income, age, and school types. Participants were internet users capable of completing Google Forms, which was used to administer the questionnaire. The structured questionnaire gathered data on participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, personal or witnessed experiences with sexual predation, reporting behaviours, and perceptions of institutional responses. Questions were designed to capture the frequency, types, perpetrators, and locations of incidents. Likert-scale items were included to assess the perceived adequacy of institutional response and support systems. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were used to summarize demographic characteristics and prevalence rates. Binary logistic regression was employed to determine which socio-demographic factors significantly predicted the likelihood of experiencing sexual predation. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and all tests were conducted at a significance level of p < 0.05. Findings showed that sexual predation is a serious and underreported problem within the study area. Female students were significantly more likely than male students to report experiencing sexual predation. Perpetrators were often older students, teachers, or non-academic staff. Incidents frequently occurred in classrooms, dormitories, offices, and isolated campus areas. Many students chose not to report due to fear, shame, or mistrust of institutional support systems. Perceptions of institutional response were largely negative, with many participants indicating that schools either ignored reports or failed to take action. The data confirm the research hypothesis and suggest that vulnerability is shaped by both individual and institutional factors. Poor reporting culture and institutional silence allow predation to persist. The findings call for stronger prevention and reporting mechanisms, capacity building among staff, and student empowerment strategies. This study provides actionable evidence to inform school policies, awareness campaigns, and legislative interventions that protect students and promote safer learning environments in Nigerian schools.