The feasibility of sex education in Nigerian junior secondary schools

This study attempts to develop a curriculum on sex education for pre-adolescent pupils in Nigerian secondary schools, with the objective of increasing their knowledge of sexual matters and in the long term reducing the incidence of adolescent unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS. Information about introduction and present status of sex education in many countries especially the United States of America, Sweden and England were obtained from literature review and visits to schools in the last country mentioned. A preliminary Nigerian study conducted in ten different schools in two states, gave the researcher an understanding of the status of sex education in Nigeria which revealed that there is no organised sex education in Nigerian schools. The researcher developed a ten-lesson course on `Preparation for Puberty'. Pilot testing of the study was carried out in Kaduna while the main empirical study was conducted in Benin- city. The study involved three hundred (300) pupils in junior secondary school (jss), class I, divided into two groups, experimental (171) and control (129). The experimental group, participated in the course, while the control group did not. Data collection was by triangulation approach which included pre- and post-tests, classroom observation using an observation schedule and video recorder, end of course evalution by pupils using structured questionnaires and interview of selected parents. Analysis of data was by SPSS/PC. The main empirical study demonstrated a positive impact on the pupils by significantly increasing their knowledge of sexual matters at the end of the course showing that the curriculum can be used effectively for sex education in Nigerian secondary schools. Reviews of the programme by teachers and parents were favourable. Fundamental issues raised by the researcher included the notion of morality and sensitivity, which can adversely affect the success of the programme in a multiethnic and multi religious society in Nigeria. Also, discussed were a number of other practical issues which will ensure effective implementation of a sex education programme in Nigeria, they included, organizing an in-service training programme for sex education teachers, solving the problems of the already crowded time-table, coping with unavailability of text-books and teaching aids and involving parents in the sex education programmes. In conclusion, the reseacher recommended the introduction of sex education in the junior secondary school curriculum and discussed the ways to make teaching of sex education in Nigeria a success. With limitations of an experimental study as this, further research in a more global location in Nigeria and in other areas of sex education have been advocated.