LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- As cases of sexual abuse and teenage pregnancy continue to rise in Nigeria, educators and parents are calling for early sex education as a critical step toward protecting young people and promoting gender equality.
According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, educationists and other Nigerians emphasized that early and structured sex education could help adolescents make informed decisions about their bodies, relationships, and overall well-being.
According to a public school teacher, Mrs. Adetoro Abeeb, teaching children about sexual health from an early age would not only reduce teenage pregnancy but also equip them with knowledge to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
“Sex education empowers students to make informed decisions about their sexual health, relationships, and well-being. It should be made compulsory in schools because it benefits students, families, and society as a whole,” Abeeb said.
Another teacher, Mrs. Kemi Oke, described sex education as increasingly vital amid the growing cases of sexual exploitation among minors. She referenced the National Sexuality Education Curriculum introduced in 2002, which encourages parents to begin conversations about sex at home.
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“Early sex education prevents abuse, teaches children about consent and body boundaries, and fosters respect in relationships. It helps children understand empathy, communication, and healthy relationships,” Oke explained.
Parents also echoed this sentiment. Mrs. Shola Johnson, a mother of two, stressed the need to train teachers on how to deliver sex education effectively.
“By prioritizing sex education, Nigeria can empower children with the confidence to navigate their reproductive health safely. This will lead to a healthier, more informed society,” she added.
From a gender perspective, experts say the absence of sex education reinforces inequality and fuels sexual violence. Mr. Bayo Oluadekoya, an engineer, noted that it plays a crucial role in teaching consent and respect, values that can help reduce gender-based violence.
“Comprehensive sex education helps adolescents understand their rights, boundaries, and respect for others. It also challenges harmful cultural norms that perpetuate gender inequality,” he said.
Advocates argue that early sex education is not just about preventing risks, it’s about empowerment. By giving young Nigerians the tools to understand their bodies and rights, the nation can foster a generation that is safer, more confident, and better informed.
