Perception Of Students On Pre-marital Sexual Relationship Among Tertiary Students In Anambra State

Background to the Study

In recent times, premarital sexual relationship has been on the rise around the world especially among the tertiary students. This development could be said to have resulted from the much exposure to modern technologies like social media, internet and also lack of proper parental control and care. Research indicates that as far back as 1950’s, the phenomena attracted a lot of public attention both in the United Kingdom and United States of America (Olugbenga  2009). For example, in 1954, a study in Manchester revealed that between the years 1950-1954 more than a quarter of underage girls were reported to have had sex before the age of 19. It was also noted that the girls came from a particular background, (from broken homes or bad parental influence). Similarly, an analysis of the Demographic health Survey found that in 58.6% of the 41 countries studied, women 20 to 24 years of age were more likely than women of 40 to 44 years of age report having premarital sexual relationship. According to Ayodele et al (2006), the rise in premarital sexual relationship in Africa has resulted from a sexual revolution that came with western culture (Scott, 2006). Sex in traditional societies use to be regarded as sacred and limited only to adult males and females within the institution of marriage (Alo, 2008).It is unfortunate that sex before marriage in Nigeria is still frown at. A child learns through the mass media and peers unguided. Children learn the important topic of sex education in negative manners, rather than having proper sex socialization at home or in schools. According to Asuzu (2005), premarital sexual relationship is increasingly considered a modern way of testing a girl’s fertility before marriage. Similarly, Data from the 2002 survey conducted in Owerri south eastern Nigeria by centre for reproductive health indicated that by age 20, most youths have lost their virginity and for those who haven’t, they are looked down on as not being up to standard.

Over 13 million youths, representing 7% of the population aged 15–24, are pursuing University education in Nigeria (Ayodele et al, 2001). For most of these youths, university represents a shift towards greater independence from home, and school settings offers an opportunity to form new friendships, as well as new subculture with divergent norms and values. While for others, school represents an opportunity to experience romantic and sexual relationships and experiment new ideas.

The phenomenon has been reported as being common among Nigerian University undergraduates (Alo, 2008). Corroborating this view, Ayodele et al (2011), carried out a study to determine the prevalence of this phenomenon among adolescence in tertiary institution. The conclusion of the study indicates that premarital sexual relationship is highly normative behavior among university students. A significant number of the respondents see nothing wrong with sex before marriage. The study also identifies cohabitation as one of the primary influence on premarital sexual relationship among students in tertiary institution. Cohabitation of opposite sex is a predisposing factor to the initiation of sexual activities. Premarital sexual relationship is not confined to teens alone, a good number of people who are not married, are also vulnerable to premarital sexual relationship (Alex Ondevilla, 2013). This is evidenced by the large number of unintended/unwanted pregnancies many of which get terminated in back street clinics.

 Abstinence before marriage is important, however in this present world where modern technology transports some changes in human sexuality, it has become a rare thing to see. Students, most especially teenagers in tertiary institution are vulnerable population to engage in pre-marital sex. For their best interest they need protection not only by the state but by the experienced people around them. This protection may not be by means of legal action but through clearness regarding pre-marital sex issues so that they could think well with certainty (Alex Ondevilla,2013). 

Pre-marital sex is terminologies which are mostly overhead by students. Some engage in this act in a casual way and think its effect after they have committed such act. According to I. Joromat, a psychology teacher, he mentioned that by observations some students discontinue their studies due to earlier pregnancy and much worst if the pregnancy will gain no moral and financial support from the obligated man that contributed to the early motherhood situation.

In addition, the researchers discover that there are number of instances that students drop out of school untimely and later information was received that one of the reason of not coming back to school is pregnancy due to pre-marital sex. This fact sounds the alarm and needs sensible attention.

Therefore, it is very important to investigate the insights of tertiary students in Anambra State as regarding to pre-marital sex and thus, the study is conducted.