Adolescent Sexuality Education and the Cost of the Conspiracy of Silence: Lessons from Nigeria

Abstract

This study seeks to evaluate the extent of the knowledge of sexuality education among in-school adolescents as well as ascertain the sources of their knowledge. It also seeks to establish the relationship between knowledge of sexuality issues and sexual behavior. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, the study obtained data from 1350 adolescents in State–owned senior secondary schools in Lagos state, Nigeria. Findings from the study show that majority of the adolescents had, at one time or the other, been confused about relationship with members of the opposite sex, their bodies and even relationships with friends of the same sex. Although adolescents acknowledged that parents had prepared them for changes in their bodies more than their friends, such preparation did not include information on sex, prevention of pregnancy or what to expect in a relationship. Friends/classmates constitute adolescents’ first source of information on these issues and they are the ones from whom adolescents seek counsel when they are confused. The study underscores the need to break the silence surrounding sexuality in Nigeria as in other African societies.