THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LACK OF SEX EDUCATION IN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ONITSHA NORTH, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study was carried out to investigate on the problems associated with the lack of sex education in junior secondary schools in Onitsha North, Nigeria. Survey research design was used to collect data for the study. The population of the study comprises of five secondary schools consisting of 2 government and 3 mission schools were sampled out of the 13 secondary schools in this local government. The sample of this study was 300 individuals that were selected from the population of the study. The instrument for data collection adopted in this study was structured questionnaire. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using arithmetical mean. Two research questions were formulated to guide the research. The findings revealed that some of the problems associated with lack of sex education are Increased risk of unintended pregnancy, Spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Lack of knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about sexual and reproductive health, Perpetuation of harmful myths and stereotypes and Increased vulnerability to sexual abuse and exploitation. The study recommends that the government, parents and stake holders should organize regular town hall meetings and workshops to foster open dialogues with parents and community leaders about the importance of sex education. Establish a parent-teacher advisory committee to ensure the inclusion of parental concerns and perspectives in the development and implementation of sex education programs. Provide comprehensive information and resources to parents to address their misconceptions and concerns about sex education.