In many households across Nigeria, conversations about sex and reproductive health remain largely off-limits due to prevailing cultural and religious norms.
These deep-rooted sensitivities often influence who is considered suitable to educate teenagers on such critical topics, leaving countless adolescents to navigate the complexities of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) without proper guidance.
This communication gap has been linked to the growing incidence of teenage pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unsafe abortions, according to health experts.
Findings from the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), led by the National Population Commission (NPC), indicate that 15% of girls between the ages of 15 and 19 had already started childbearing. These findings were further validated at the 2024 launch of the State of World Population (SWOP) report, which highlighted a higher concentration of such cases in rural regions compared to urban centers.
Adding to these concerns, the 2022 Nigeria Adolescent and Youth Health Policy Performance Scorecard — supported by the African Health Budget Network — found that only 34% of adolescents had sufficient knowledge of SRH. The report also exposed glaring inequalities, especially between urban and rural youth, with underserved areas facing major gaps in access to quality information.
To tackle these issues, the Nigerian government introduced the Family Life and HIV Education (FLHE) curriculum over ten years ago. The programme, jointly developed by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), UNFPA, and other partners, aims to equip adolescents with the skills and information necessary for informed decision-making.
FLHE addresses six key themes: human development, sexual health, HIV prevention, relationships, society and culture, and personal skills. These themes are embedded in various subjects taught in upper primary and secondary schools — including Basic Science, Social Studies, Civic Education, and Biology.
This effort aligns with Nigeria’s broader commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 3, which targets improved health and wellbeing. Key objectives include reducing maternal mortality, expanding access to SRH services, and lowering adolescent birth rates.
Despite these policies, the rollout of FLHE across Nigeria has been uneven. Some communities continue to resist its implementation, especially where topics like contraception and sexual rights are considered taboo.
Dr. Rafee Al-Ijebuwi, Grand Mufti of Ijebu Igbo in Ogun State, highlighted the need for context-specific approaches, noting that Islamic schools should teach SRH in ways that align with Islamic teachings. He stressed that parents — fathers for boys, mothers for girls — should be primary educators, supported by schools and health institutions.
“Islam supports age-appropriate education before puberty. Proper understanding can help youths avoid reproductive health issues later in life,” he said.
From the Christian perspective, Rev. Ozumba Nicodemus, National Director for Education, Youth, and Women Development at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), echoed the call for parental and faith-based involvement.
He noted that the Bible offers moral guidance on sexuality and that churches must educate young people based on scriptural principles. “Even on topics like contraception or unintended pregnancies, churches can offer biblically grounded, compassionate support,” he said.
Some parents are already taking proactive steps. Mrs. Monica Moru shared how she began educating her daughter about body awareness and menstruation from age two, stressing the importance of building trust and early understanding.
This parental approach is backed by a 2024 study published in BMC Public Health, which explored the SRH information needs of in-school adolescents in Ebonyi State. The study found that while adolescents preferred getting information from trusted adults or parents, barriers like fear and shame often stood in the way.
Interestingly, 61% of the students surveyed preferred guidance from school counsellors or trained teachers — citing confidentiality and professionalism as key reasons.
Blessing Okoro, a 17-year-old student in Abuja, shared her reality: “If I ask my mother, she’ll scold me. But the school nurse explains things clearly — like how to protect ourselves.”
Education professionals argue that schools offer a more structured and less judgmental environment for young people to learn about their health.
During a recent policy dialogue on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) hosted by Nigeria Health Watch, stakeholders called for stronger collaboration across education, health, and community sectors.
Mallam Ghali Talle, Assistant Director of Education for Health and Wellbeing at the Federal Ministry of Education, stated that FLHE remains a vital tool for promoting youth awareness. He mentioned peer education and school assemblies as key delivery mechanisms and added that plans are underway to integrate schools more closely with youth-friendly health services.
“Education should act as a vaccine — equipping young people to avoid risky behaviours and protect themselves,” he said.
Vivienne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, reinforced the role of parents in this effort. “If children don’t get answers at home, they’ll find them elsewhere — and it may not always be accurate. Parents must be the first line of defence,” she noted.
Despite incremental progress, many adolescents still face significant challenges in accessing SRH services, including fear of stigma, lack of privacy, and judgmental attitudes at health facilities.
Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, Director at the Department of Family Health, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has called for increased investment in adolescent-friendly care. “It’s a shared responsibility. Parents, teachers, religious leaders, and health workers must all be part of the solution,” she said.
As Nigeria pushes toward its 2030 development targets, experts agree that a coordinated, inclusive, and culturally aware approach to SRH education is essential.
Breaking the silence and ensuring young people have access to the right information could empower them to make healthier choices and build a more informed future.