In many Nigerian homes, talking about sex and reproductive health is still seen as taboo. Cultural and religious beliefs often decide who should teach teenagers about these sensitive topics.
Because of this, many young people are left to figure out issues of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) on their own, without proper guidance.
Experts say this silence has caused an increase in teenage pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unsafe abortions.
Data from the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), supported by the National Population Commission (NPC), shows that 15 per cent of girls aged 15 to 19 have already started having children.
This was also confirmed during the 2024 launch of the State of World Population (SWOP) report, which noted that teenage pregnancy is more common in rural areas than in cities.
Additionally, a 2022 scorecard on Nigeria’s Adolescent and Youth Health Policy, supported by the African Health Budget Network, found that only 34 per cent of Nigerian teenagers know enough about sexual and reproductive health.
The report highlighted a big gap between the knowledge of young people living in cities and those in rural areas, with many in underserved communities lacking access to accurate information.
To solve these problems, the Federal Government introduced the Family Life and HIV Education (FLHE) curriculum over ten years ago.
The curriculum was created by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), in partnership with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and other groups. It aims to equip teenagers with the right knowledge to make informed choices.
The FLHE covers six main topics: human development, personal skills, sexual health, relationships, society and culture, and HIV prevention.
Subjects like puberty, peer pressure, decision-making, and safe practices are taught within other school subjects such as Social Studies, Basic Science, Civic Education, and Biology, from primary school to senior secondary level.
This effort aligns with Nigeria’s goal to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3, which focuses on good health and well-being.
Key targets include reducing maternal deaths, ensuring access to family planning, and lowering teenage birth rates.
However, the implementation of the FLHE curriculum has not been smooth across the country.
Some communities still resist certain topics like condom use and sexual rights, believing they clash with cultural or religious values.
For example, Dr Rafee Al-Ijebuwi, Grand Mufti of Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, said Islamic schools must find ways to teach sexual health that align with Islamic teachings.
He said parents are primarily responsible for educating their children, with fathers guiding boys and mothers guiding girls, while schools, clinics, and hospitals should also play their parts.
He explained that Islam allows age-appropriate sexual education before puberty to help children live healthy lives.
From the Christian side, Rev. Ozumba Nicodemus of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said the Church also must educate youth on sexuality.
He said the Bible teaches values like love, morality, and respect, and churches should use these teachings to guide young people.
He stressed that even when churches talk about contraception or unplanned pregnancy, it should be done with compassion, rooted in the Bible.
For parents like Mrs. Monica Moru, educating children about their bodies should begin at home.
She said she started teaching her daughter about body parts at age two, explaining menstruation and how to use sanitary pads, so that no outsider would mislead her.
This approach agrees with a 2024 study done in Ebonyi State, which showed that most teenagers prefer getting sexual health information from their parents or trusted adults, though many face fear, shame, or punishment when they try.
Interestingly, 61 per cent of the teenagers said they would rather talk to school counsellors or trained teachers, who they believe are more approachable and can keep secrets.
Blessing Okoro, a 17-year-old student in Abuja, said her mother would scold her if she asked about sex, but the school nurse explains things calmly and clearly.
Experts believe schools offer a safer and more structured space for teenagers to learn about sexual health, especially when parents are not open to such discussions.
At a recent policy meeting on sexual and reproductive health, organized by Nigeria Health Watch, stakeholders agreed that collaboration among different sectors is key.
Mallam Ghali Talle, Assistant Director of Education for Health at the Federal Ministry of Education, said they are working to connect schools with health services and train teachers who can guide students.
He said education should serve as a “vaccine” to protect young people from risky behaviors.
Vivienne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, also stressed the role of parents.
She said if parents fail to answer their children’s questions, the children may get wrong information from other sources.
Despite some progress, many teenagers still face problems when trying to access sexual health services.
Lack of privacy, fear of being judged, and stigma prevent many from visiting health centers.
Dr Binyerem Ukaire, Director of Family Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said more investment is needed to make adolescent-friendly health services available.
She said no single institution can do it alone, adding that parents, teachers, health workers, and religious leaders all have roles to play.
As Nigeria aims to meet its 2030 goals, experts agree that coordinated, inclusive, and culturally sensitive sexual and reproductive health education is necessary.
By breaking the silence and filling knowledge gaps, Nigeria can empower its youth to make informed decisions and build a healthier future.
