Allegations similar to those raised by students of Kigali Institute of Management (KIM), that sexual favours were a precondition for good marks, should not just be swept under the carpet.

It was reported yesterday that a lecturer at the above institution allegedly awarded a poor grade to a female student after she turned down his sexual advances.

This is not the first time such allegations have emerged. Similar cases were reported at Kigali Independent University (ULK) and Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) which led to the dismissal of some suspects.

While the KIM affair is only an allegation, it should be taken seriously by those concerned.

And of course, one cannot turn a deaf ear to the counter-allegations, to the effect that some female students wanted free marks with the lecturer standing his ground, hence attracting the students’ ire.

If indeed he is being framed as he claims, then it is another problem that should be looked into.

Sexual harassment should be designated as a crime to keep macho prowlers at bay and to prevent fraudulent females from exchanging sex for favours.

It is important that these practices are nipped in the bud, as they risk tarnishing the image and educational credentials of Rwandan higher institutions of learning.

Ends