Addressing Sex-for-Grades in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions: A Reflective Proposal through Creative Praxis

Abstract

This study explores the persistent issue of “sex-for-grades” in Nigerian tertiary education, examining its impact on academic integrity, student well-being, and societal development. Rooted in Social Responsibility Theory, the paper frames the discourse through the perspectives of two creative professionals, referred to as creative catalysts, who offer reflective insights into institutional practices. Drawing from their experiences and informal observations, the study proposes the Incognito Mechanism, a conceptual framework aimed at anonymizing students' examination scripts to mitigate lecturer bias, coercion, and sexual exploitation. The mechanism involves the assignment of unique codes to student scripts, managed independently by examination and transcript units, thereby removing identifiable student information from the grading process. While the study does not present empirical data, it offers a narrative-based, solution-oriented reflection that contributes to ongoing discourse on accountability and reform in higher education. The proposed approach is not positioned as a definitive cure but as a catalyst for institutional dialogue and policy experimentation. The study concludes with practical recommendations to pilot the mechanism, raise institutional awareness, and promote grading anonymity as a safeguard against systemic abuse. This work aims to provoke policy reconsideration and support emerging frameworks for ethical academic practices in Nigerian universities.