Secondary School Students’ Perspectives of Sex Education: A Case of Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Sex education is a vital component of human development; however, its inclusion in the school curriculum remains contentious across Nigeria due to cultural and religious sensitivities. This study was conducted within the broader context of Nigerians struggle to balance between moral conservatism with the need for adolescent sexual and reproductive health awareness. It examined secondary school students’ perceptions of sex education in Ebonyi State. Using an exploratory mixed-methods research design, a total of 444 secondary students (222 males and 222 females) from 38 schools were surveyed to gathered diverse and representative views. In addition, we also organised three focus group discussions, each with eight students, to better understand their opinions. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version (SPSS)-25 was utilised to analyse quantitative data using both descriptive and inferential statistics. For qualitative data, content analysis was conducted with the help of Atlas.ti 8. Students favoured the inclusion of sex education in the curriculum and emphasised the need for structured, gender specific, factual, and age appropriate information to make informed sexual health decisions. The findings reveal a strong consensus among students on the relevance of school-based sex education to promote safe practices, reduce misinformation, and improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes. The study recommends incorporating sex education into Nigeria’s secondary school curriculum to encourage informed choices, reduce risky behaviours, and improve health outcomes through evidence-based, culturally sensitive instruction.