Title: Nigerian guidelines for sexuality education introduced at ceremony in Lagos.

POPLINE Document Number: 120347

Author(s):

Shortridge JL

Source citation:

SIECUS REPORT, 1997 Jan;25(2):4-7.

Abstract:

The 1996 publication of "The Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Nigeria," a result of collaboration between SIECUS and Nigerian organizations, is a major step toward incorporating sex education into current reproductive health and population initiatives. A National Task Force of 20 key Nigerian agencies and institutions working in the area of adolescent health, education, and development prepared the document with technical assistance from SIECUS. Days before the document's public release, a workshop was held for members of the mass media to increase their understanding of adolescent reproductive and sexual health in Nigeria. 70% of males and 50% of females attending secondary school are sexually active before the age of 20 years; by the time they leave school, one out of every five Nigerian girls has terminated an unwanted pregnancy. The Guidelines seek to help Nigerian youth to acquire knowledge and develop responsible behavior to reduce high rates of unwanted pregnancy, complications from unsafe abortion, sexually transmitted diseases, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Keywords:

Nigeria
Sex Education
Adolescents
Nongovernmental Organizations
Program Activities
Africa, Western
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Developing Countries
Education
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Organizations
Programs
Organization and Administration