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Nigeria: When Universities Become Brothels…
Muti ThisA woman selling her body for material gains is by no means a new concept, neither is the notion of female students on Nigerian campuses exchanging sexual favors for money. The campus situation is so bad that:
Professional prostitutes are using all means so as to gain admission into the university because according to them, its more lucrative now being a student on campus. “Men no longer patronize brothels and streets because they prefer students “.
From time to time in this article I will be mentioning the word Aristo. To those who don’t know what that is - the slang Aristo is short for Aristocrat. Aristocrats is a privileged person or the elite, who have class, live luxuriously and spend lavishly. And in the Nigerian context Aristo refers to rich middle aged to old men who patronize female students. (So the term “Sugar daddy” is now obsolete!)
Student prostitution is very common in Nigerian universities and the average campus has several networks. Unlike street prostitution most of these female students do not stand on street corners although this is arguable because some students in Nigerian universities do in fact stand outside their hostel halls to solicit business which is synonymous to street corners.
Anyway, female students usually advertise their services in several ways: Some use a female connector (a student also engaging in the same activities). She has all the connections and knows all the Aristos who enjoy such entertainment.
Some use male pimps (a student too) who solicits for business by organizing them for a party, or who has/knows rich Aristos with rich friends. The girls usually give them a return on any business they get from these male pimps.
The other method is when the guys just simply go to the campuses with their flashy cars and throw their money around hoping to catch a fish.
The closest one to brothel prostitution is when the female students register their services at nearby hotels. When I was in university, it was not peculiar to see a black SUV owned by the hotel near my university, come to the female hostels to pick up the girls. Apparently, these female students would register with the hotel and the hotel would put their pictures in a photo album. So whenever an Aristo comes into town, part of the hotel’s entertainment package is to let him choose whatever girl he wants from the album to rock for the night.
I have often wondered why students turn to sex for money and my initial thought is poverty has a role to play in it. For instance, when I was in the university, I met a babe that her parents used to give her less than one thousand naira (less than $10) as pocket money for the whole semester (4-month period) while most of us received two thousand naira ($20) per month. So I definitely wasn’t surprised when she turned to selling her body to raise money to survive and feed.
However, that is the justification for students from poor homes, but what about students from well-to-do homes what is their excuse? I say majority of these girls are GREEDY. They want to wear the latest clothes and have the newest things just like the Jones but their parents don’t give it to them so they source for it through whatever means they can even if it means doing degrading things. Some of them are so desperate for money and fame that they use jazz (voodoo) on the Aristos so they can doll out enormous sums on them.
A very few girls do it because they do not have a mind of their own and will do anything their friends do just to feel “among” even if follow follow includes selling their bodies. This is called psychological influence.
You’re probably wondering what the university authorities can do about this? Not much. Because they have to be mindful of not encroaching on the student’s rights. I recently read an article about universities and campus fellowships starting prayer sessions to conquer these wayward behaviors. This illustrates the university’s awareness yet inability to eradicate the problem.
Do you think parents know what their daughters are doing? Most parents probably don’t because some girls leave the goodies they get in school or at a friend’s house. And even if they bring it home, many parents don’t pay close attention to what their daughters have or have acquired.
Although I am convinced some parents know and don’t mind because they reap the benefits from their daughters’ promiscuous activities. For example, as a parent, if your daughter comes home from school with a car and wads of money and you didn’t give it to her, shouldn’t you ask her where she got it from? No, in fact some parents would expect the daughter to use whatever means she is using to get the money to help support her other siblings too, thus passing off their moral duties to the daughter. Now tell me where does a responsible parent expect a jobless daughter in school to raise money to support her siblings?
How can we stop these activities? Ending these activities are in the hands of the parents; the Aristos; and the student themselves:
Parents need to impart in their daughters the sense of pride; teach them to respect their bodies; and impart in them the spirit of contentment.
The Aristos or irresponsible adults should find their pleasures with their wives rather than paying young blood to entertain them and their friends.
The student needs to be confident with who she is and come to terms with the reality and dangers of contracting HIV through her deviant practices.
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wande | Jun 21, 2008 | Reply
Nice research
Most of the so called students are from a very disciplined home, it is only when they get to the campus everything about them change.
The best thing is for the parents never to relax in drumming in it their ears that prostitutes does’nt have dignity no matter their influence.
The future effect is worse than the present.
Toun | Jul 1, 2008 | Reply
I think the main cause of this problem is poverty and lack of morals; 95% of Nigerian (female most especially) have lost their virtues for covetousness. We all know Nigerian institutions need deliverance from all forms of indecency.
olutosin Adeniji | Jul 7, 2008 | Reply
To be honest, you can’t blame the girls whether for economic reasons or not.Most of these horny old men have a lot of money top throw around, that’s why it easy to entice the young immature ladies
Misi | Jul 7, 2008 | Reply
@Olutosin, I don’t agree with your argument. It takes two to tango. Everyone can blame some type of enticement for their wrong doing but that doesn’t make it right. In life one has to be responsible for their actions, and giving the girls an excuse that the old men are to blame is not making them responsible for their actions. Why is it that not every girl gets enticed by these old men….its because those girls know the consequences of their actions can lead them into trouble so they don’t fall for the money flashing even when they need it too.
Omotaylor | Jul 7, 2008 | Reply
Dear Tosin my question to you is, What percentage of the union between the “flasher” and the “greedy grabber” end well? Even those who end up marrying these dandies still get disgraced in later life dont they? Is money worth more than a good name and a life of virtue? Yes I can blame the foolish old men for enticing the girls but I will tend to blame the girls more for selling their bodies for this is what they are doing. They dont need to stand in street corners to become prostitutes. Maybe if the girls dont become such easy preys, these useless old men would stick to their homes and wives.
Misi | Jul 7, 2008 | Reply
@ Ms. Omo-T, I think time has shown that these useless old men will never be satisfied with their wives, they will always be hunting for a prey. It is left to the students to make up their minds not to sell their body and soul for money. Also - as I mentioned in the write up these Aristos are no longer limited to old men….young guys in their 30s do it too.
Omotaylor | Jul 7, 2008 | Reply
True say. Even with the rampart spread of HIV/Aids, these men and girls still throw caution to the wind. Well parents should not relent in disciplining and training their wards both male and female.
Mahalia | Jul 12, 2008 | Reply
I have just read the article. I myself was raised in Holland since I was 16 and have never dealt with such a situation. I think this problem is part of a whole series of problems Nigeria faces. It’s a mentality thing “Capitalisme”
This whole mentality comes from the home. If one parents only has eyes for results and not the child itself, his or her self esteem will be determined by what it achieves instead of who he truely is. I am a single mum, have 2 kids. 16 + 17, boy and girl. I am succeeding in passing my values on to my daughter but my son gives me a hard time. We should also not underestimate the negative influence of the society and governments. I will discuss with friends and update with their thoughts.
Akpowaidor Asekome Akpeti | Jul 12, 2008 | Reply
i dont subscribe to the fact that poverty is the root cause of prostitution by students who are in the university. That postulation creates a scenario that justifies immorality on the pedestal of wants rather than need , because the proceedsand other incentives gotten from the act serve to provide revealing and more daring attires that would attract would be customers . i must say that it has been heard or known that some families are sustained by the proceeds form their daughters. That does not render my earlier theory wrong…
neverthe less this shameless behaviourial trait can be curbed by instilling the right virtues on the child. A clear distinction should be made to let female students know that the university is not a walkway , where there is constant need to undo the other girl or win awards that ultimately massage your ego while leaving your studies in a low state, rather it is an environment that provides the gnosis for a career path , that may eventually lead to the cure of aids, the discovery of another planet or maybe the first female president . i really doubt these lofty heights can be achieved via aristorising( MY LINGO).
Aristos, i would appreciate it if you let these young girls be. Itis a very strong temptaion flashing affluence to a young lady who has been alien to that .
Summarily, i would want a collaborative effort by all stakeholders in ridding us of this menace
Misi | Jul 12, 2008 | Reply
@Akpowaidor Asekome Akpeti, beautifully said. I couldn’t have said it better myself. Poverty should never be an excuse for immorality regardless of how bad. Like you said the thirst for money is never for needs but greedy wants and looking like the Jones.
isaiah | Jul 16, 2008 | Reply
very good article for young person’s.
AUSTEEN | Jul 22, 2008 | Reply
God bless you real good for this mind- touching research.
The reason for this societal problem is that “man is longer practising what he preaches”
Everybody including parents have lost the fear of God, therefore the children are not left out.
I strongly agree with the other stated causes, but this is the chief of them all and the only solution is for everyone to be God -fearing rather than playing religion.
Thanks.
Omotaylor | Jul 23, 2008 | Reply
Dear Austeen
I cannot agree with you more. Thanks for a thought provoking and Godly comment. May God and His Word so touch and inspire us so as to have the fear of Him which is the beginning of Wisdom.
Excel.A. Okun | Jul 23, 2008 | Reply
Prostitution is degrading and detrimental to the health of any individual. This can be better comprehended by medical personnels. It is in this light that campaigns geared towards creating awareness about the inherent danger in prostitution as well as stigmatizing the act of prostitution should be embarked on. It appears to me that a lot of prostitutes do not know the danger or reproach in this act.
Prostitution should be illegalised and punishable with a fine.Nobody should be extricated from this , both parties, male and female even mother or fathers who give their female children out for prostitution. I know this is going to be difficult to implement considering the fact that Nigeria is a lawless country.
The fear of GOD should be highly imbibed in all areas of ramification. This brings to mind the biblical saying: parents bring up your children in the way of the Lord And when they are grown they will not depart from it. Parents adjust to a prayer and fasting lifestyle, rather cursing your children. Never ask a female child to go and ask her boyfriend for money.
Expectant mothers or rather parents pray for your unborn children or even pay tithes and offering for them . For this can usher them into a very divine and bright future. Fathers never abuse your daughters in any form, because this can lead to prostitution in a later day.
Andre | Jul 27, 2008 | Reply
Interesting article. I am a South African “aristo”. I have been working and traveling around Nigeria for the past year and was amazed to be CONSTANTLY harrassed for sex. It is about money, firstly, but, i have come to believe that a lot of the girls do it for fun too and ENJOY sex. My 1st few months here i was able to resist, the beauties have worn me down and i now find myself indulging regularly. I NEVER have to go look for it, it just comes. Some of the girls are NOT from poor families.
I h.ave concluded that economics, womens liberation and enjoyment of sex are the reasons
pammy | Jul 27, 2008 | Reply
Thanks Andre for the alternative view point. Things having to do with sexuality aren’t as clear cut and cookie cutter as many will like to believe.
Excel.A.Okun | Jul 28, 2008 | Reply
Dear Andre,
I implore you to use this opportunity to refrain from this indulgence. It is not fun rather a curse that is capable of manifesting itself in a later time.The fact that you have been there will give you an opportunity to be able to dissuade both male and female from indulging. If the male parties can say no to female advances, it will help a great deal that way it will dawn on them that the game or business is over.
Omotaylor | Jul 28, 2008 | Reply
Dear Andre please take the advice given by ~Excel.A.Okun above. It could be “fun” for you now but spell doom later. Free sex is degrading and yes a curse. If you cannot abstain from sex at least find yourself a good partner. You may end up marrying her and save yourself from evil.
Pamela Stitch | Jul 29, 2008 | Reply
Andre brought up an alternative view point which was that yes, some women might have sex with these aristos because they want or need money but there are others who do have sex because they love sex.
Is it an over indulgence ? I think that conclusion is based on people’s personal standards of behavior.
Andre - all I will ask is that you just remember to wrap it up!
hakep | Aug 28, 2008 | Reply
Am really encourage by this write up.Female prostitution is as a result of various factors mentioned above by the respondents but i think it all voice down to the fact that as female we need to be discipline,contented with what we have not minding the background we are raised.A female that does not possess these characteritic will definitely go into prostitution whether she is rich or not.
elohor | Sep 1, 2008 | Reply
Explicit from the aforementioned views,i stongly disagree with Andre cos he has only given the girls more negative reasons to prostitute instead of been part of the team to help fight n combat prostition.my greatest cause goes to the structuring of the society.if the society is lawful by punishing all partcipants,it wud go a longway in eradicating prostitution.But since it is nw based on freewill,it wud take God’s coming n intervention to eradicate such devilish acts since it has eaten deep into our institutions.