AN EXAMINATION OF THE IMPACT OF LACK OF SEX EDUCATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF ONYAH NDOKWA EAST LGA, DELTA STATE)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Sex education, sometimes called sex and relationships education or sexuality education, is the step of gathering information about sex which becomes forming attitudes and beliefs over sexual identity, relationships and intimacy. Sex education talks also about grooming young people's ability so that they can make right choices and feel confident and competent while acting on these choices. It is generally accepted that our young people have full right to sex education. This is so because it is a medium by which they are taught on how to protect themselves against abuses, unwanted pregnancies, harassment, and sexually transmitted disease. Therefore, providing effective sex education gives young people the right information about matters that affect them, their right to have their needs met appropriately and enables them enjoy their sex life and the relationships that emerges. To add to the adult full social and economic potential life, young people requires the needed knowledge and skills to enable them make choices about when to have sex and also how to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. Effective sex education curricular has been approved by different governmental and non governmental agencies, educational organizations and teenage advocacy groups which is the most appropriate educational method to help reduce teenage pregnancy and also help in preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among youths. Various researches have proved increased sexual practices in increasing numbers among teenagers yearly. Often, the results of these practices have different consequences resulting in sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy. It is pertinent to have an understanding of some of the signs of puberty and signs of adolescence among young ones which makes the tendencies of contacting STDs is increased and increased rate of unwanted pregnancy. Sex education also helps equip young people with the right knowledge which enables them to differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate informations, to also discuss on the right moral and social issues with perspectives on sex, sexuality and relationships, including different cultural practices and sensitive issues like abortion and the use of contraception. Akerele (2004) wrote that “sex is something you do, sexuality is something you are.” His way of understanding sex highlights the difference between the act of sex and the individual experience of sexuality, which is an essential part of who we really are, which can’t be separated out from us any more than our ethnicity or religion or spiritual beliefs. Sexuality is a natural aspect of life, an important and foundational part of our human life. For people to be sound health wise they must be empowered to make choices in their sexual and reproductive lives; they must have confident in themselves and feel safe in exercising their own sexual desires. Therefore providing effective information through sex education is all about getting to know what young people already know about sex thereby adding to their existing knowledge and helping them in case of any misinformation they may have gotten. Considering, young people who may have gotten the wrong informations that condoms are no longer effective in protecting one against HIV and sexually transmitted infections or that there is  cure for AIDS. Therefore, it is pertinent to provide appropriate information which corrects belief they have.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

It is a known fact that to carry out a research in any field, definitely there is a problem in that area, so this study is not an exemption. Busari A.O (2003) Physical, psychological, and social attribute of adolescence make young people particularly vulnerable to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIS).Adolescents often are not able to comprehend fully the exposure to risk. Societies often compound young people’s risk by making it difficult for them to learn about sex education and reproductive health. Moreover, many youth are socially inexperienced and dependent on other’s, peer pressure often influence them often in a way that can influence their risk. When adolescent are not given or provided the necessary information about sex, it places them at risk of getting pregnant, abortion or even contracting a sexually transmitted disease which make it a problem.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The major aim of the study is to examine the impact of lack of sex education in secondary schools in Nigeria. Other specific objectives of the study include;

1. To examine the level of sex education in secondary schools in Nigeria.
2. To assess the level of sexual awareness in Nigerian secondary schools.
3. To determine the need for adequate sex education in Nigerian secondary schools.
4. To examine the impact of lack of sex education on adolescents in secondary schools in Nigeria.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is the level of sex education in secondary schools in Nigeria?
2. What is the level of sexual awareness in Nigerian secondary schools?
3. What is the need for adequate sex education in Nigerian secondary schools?
4. What is the impact of lack of sex education on adolescents in secondary schools in Nigeria?

RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

H0: There are no factors responsible for poor academic performance of students in Nigeria.

H1: There are factors responsible for poor academic performance of students in Nigeria.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study would be of immense importance in enhancing sex education in Nigerian secondary schools. The study would also benefit students, researchers and scholars who are interested in developing a further study on the subject matter.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

This study is restricted to the examination of the impact of lack of sex education in secondary schools in Ndokwa local government area of Delta state.

LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

DEFINITION OF TERMS AND VARIABLES

IMPACT: To have an important or noticeable effect on something ADOLESCENT: Developing of adult mental processes and identity and also the transition from total socio-economic dependence to relative independence

SECONDARY SCHOOL: The education teaching of children between the ages of 11 and 16. SEX: The activity in which a male and female join their sex organ in order to make babies or for pleasure.

EDUCATION: The process of giving intellectual or moral instruction about something either in school, colleges or University