This is the story of how prostitution thrives in Nigerian university. But this is not just about ladies seeking survival on campus, it also about girls from rich families who are in it for pleasure and fun.
Prostitution is said to be one of the oldest professions in the world. It is alluded to in the bible and ancient civilizations, like Rome and Greece, had to contend with it. In spite of the penalties entrenched in the laws of most nations, against this illicit trade, it still flourishes.
Despite its long history, the act of prostitution has evolved with society. It has shifted from the cigarette smoke-filled rooms of brothels and the dark alleyways of major cities, to the esteemed halls of citadels of higher learning. Essentially, some of our young girls, sent to universities to acquire knowledge and become productive citizens in the nation, have found a vocation in prostitution.
Another interesting fact about prostitution is that it is no longer a vocation reserved for the poor, who are seeking economic survival, but a growing number of girls from middle class and affluent home are fast taking to the trade. These categories of girls apparently are not in it for money, but for pleasure.
The Conversation Africa, A Nigerian based online publication recently did an investigated report on transactional sex on campus, which revealed university students have transactional sex with the aristos in exchange for financial, social or educational support.
The online newspaper conducted 30 interviews with female undergraduates – commonly known as “runs-girls”.
Found that the students engage in transactional sex for pleasure and money. Typically, wealthy students would be with an aristo for pleasure, while those who needed financial support did it for the money. Most of the women we spoke to viewed it as a critical survival life investment strategy and rejected the “prostitution” label.
The students looked for these clients on and off campus, using connections and referrals. They then familiarize themselves with the potential client’s routine, aiming to eventually manufacture an encounter.
If the students don’t have much financial support from their families, these relationships provide them with that security. Some started as a one-off “date”, for which they got a sum of money. But longer-term relationships also developed in some instances.
In return for sex, the women were given luxury possessions, like cars and mobile phones; investments for businesses they might start; or work placements when they finish their studies.
As one female student said: “The type of connection I have with politicians, lecturers, and military men cannot be purchased with money. At times, when I have problem, all I do is to make a call, depending on the nature of challenges…”
As part of the investigation, a 24 year old student gave a shocking insight into why she engages in prostitution despite being from an affluent family. She said: “I am from a rich home, my father is even a Major (in the army), and my mother a nurse, but I’m involved in campus runs because of sexual satisfaction, although nothing goes for nothing, because sex is for enjoyment. I have a guy that I help financially, and on the long run he pays me back with sex.’
Sadly, some “runs-girls” accepted offers of unprotected sex for better pay. This put them at risk of catching sexually transmitted infections and, consequently, the cost of treatment.
