CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The issue of premarital sex has become so rampant among adults, students in higher institution

even secondary school students is not exempted. Nigerians parents are conservative, talking

about sex with students under the age of 18 years is frowned at. In Nigeria, sex is considered a

sin by a number of religions (Adama & Ejih, 2021). Unguided by adults, children learn from

peers and the media. Instead of receiving proper sex education at home or in school, children

learn the crucial subject of sex in negative ways. Premarital sex is a common occurrence among

female students in secondary school (Adeniyi, 2019). It has become a norm among many female

students while abstinence is no longer regarded as a virtue. Those who abstain or are chaste are

regarded as uncivilized. Premarital sex is sexual activity that occurs prior to marriage and is

typically observed among female students in tertiary institutions and secondary schools

(Durosomo, 2018). It involves incest, rape, defilement, and fornication.

Premarital sex is caused by a variety of factors, including youth curiosity, media influence, peer

pressure, an unquenchable lust for money, cultural influences, sexual harassment, poor school

discipline, school location, religious teachings and literacy, indecent dress, lust, pornography,

insanity and sex promiscuity, as well as moral decadence (Alade, Owoeye & Bamidele, 2021). In

light of the high rate of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among female students between the

ages of 18 and 24, more students within the age range are dropping out of school due to

unintended or unwanted pregnancies (Olatunji, 2019). Premarital sex refers to sexual activity

between individuals who have not taken a marital vow or who are not regarded culturally as

having entered a marriage institution (Fadipe & Olakojo, 2021). Premarital sex is typically not a
problem for people who have reached sexual maturity because they may view it as a natural

response to a natural stimulus.

However, premarital sex is morally wrong in almost every human society that views marriage as

a necessary condition for sexual tolerance, especially among young women who are thought to

be more susceptible to health issues. An estimated one-quarter of sexually active teenagers in

Nigeria have been impacted by the increase in premarital sex (Olatunji, 2019). It undoubtedly

has detrimental effects, including unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and

social and emotional effects (Raji, 2018). Both Christianity and Islam, the two main religions in

Nigeria, vehemently condemn premarital sex and call for specific sanctions against offenders

(Olatunji, 2019). Premarital sex is occasionally rebranded as fornication due to its connotation.

According to Islamic law, chapter 24 verse 2 of the Holy Quran, anyone caught engaging in

fornication sex that occurs before marriage, or premarital sex should be publicly flogged with

100 stripes and no one should show sympathy for the offender (Ghani et al., 2024).

In addition, premarital sex is described as an evil and a shameful deed in Quran chapter 17 verse

32 (Ghani et al., 2024). These verses from the Quran make it clear that Islam forbids premarital

sex. According to Christian doctrine, the marriage bed should be kept pure, for God will judge

all the sexually immoral (Heb.13:4). In this context, refraining from sexual activity prior to

marriage is referred to as keeping the marriage bed holy, while any unacceptable sexual

behaviour, particularly premarital sex, is referred to as sexual immorality. Thus, it is also evident

that having sexual relations with someone prior to getting married is forbidden for Christians’

premarital sex (Raji, 2018). Study by Galloway (2020) claimed that there are different sexual

behaviours that precipitate female adolescents more likely to engage in premarital sex.
Autoeroticism is a subcategory of this behaviour in which a teen tries to sate her sexual itch by

acting alone and on herself.

However, such behaviours include masturbation (the manual stimulation of one's own genitalia

for sexual pleasure), sexual fantasy (a mental exercise involving imagining, mapping, desiring,

and navigating, in abstract, into sexual pleasure), and erotic dreams an unconscious state

especially during sleep when one experiences sensual feeling (Igbo, 2018). Pornographic

viewing, kissing, and touching are additional sexual behaviours that may predispose a teen to

having premarital sex (frotteurism). Children’s moral upbringing is the responsibility of the

family institution. The character development of the children is greatly influenced by the family.

Parents who lack morality will undoubtedly be unable to raise morally upright children. The

values that the children observed in their families are expressed by them when someone is

providing love, guidance, acceptance, and affection to a child and these things are lacking,

especially if they come from their peers or the opposite sex, that person will exert more influence

over the child (Nwankwo, 2019).

In some situations, living with single parents can lead to distorted family relationships and

family dysfunction. Therefore, a lack of communication and a negative home environment

encourage adolescents to engage in premarital sex (Adama & Ejih, 2021; Angelo, Teketel, Aklilu

& Hirut, 2020). The inability of parents to provide for their children's basic needs due to their

own poverty may give kids the freedom to engage in early sexual behaviour. According to Offor

and Offiah (2022), the young woman in the family who seeks to have good future but belongs to

a poor family turn to engage in a relationship with older men to pay for their school fees and

provide for their other needs. Meanwhile, watching phonograph movies or videos is another

reason adolescents engage in premarital sex. Pornography has the power to pique a person's
sexual curiosity. Additionally, it can lead to someone abusing others sexually. People can be

seduced by pornography's erotic appeal (Ajayi, Somefun & Dalby, 2019).

According to Olatunji (2019) watching pornographic movies can inspire or motivate students to

go further in committing evil than they originally planned. Premarital sex can also be caused by

peer pressure. It is widely believed that peers have a significant social influence on adolescents'

social behaviour. Peer influence can occur on a variety of levels. Some sex peers serve as a

significant source of sex-related knowledge and offer settings for sex, such as social gatherings

and parties. In this way, friends who have had sexual experiences can act as role models and

influence how others perceive the acceptability of sexual behaviour (Daagu et al., 2021).

Teenagers’ inability to resist peer pressure to have sex and the belief that at least half of their

friends have had premarital sex are both important factors identified as being associated with

sexual intercourse (Offor & Offiah, 2022). As a result, more female students are engaging in

high-risk premarital behaviours that raise the possibility of an unstable marriage.

However, premarital sex is strongly correlated with drug and alcohol abuse. Drugs are defined by

Fadipe and Olakojo (2021) as chemical substances that are intentionally used to alter mood,

perception, or consciousness. Drug can induce sexual desire and alcohol use have been identified

as factors which may encourage unintentional sexual activities. However, it is clear that using

drugs or alcohol can cause one to intentionally engage in premarital sex or be seduced into it

(Fadipe & Olakojo, 2021). According to a study by Embiyale (2019) 84% of women in West

Africa expressed attitudes in favour of premarital sexual behaviour. Additionally, it has been

reported that over the past ten years, 63% female students in Nigeria's tertiary institutions have

engaged in premarital sex (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022).
Angelo et al., (2020) observed that in Africa homes, parents are not fully equipped to answer

questions on sexual matters adequately; even those who attempt to pass on faulty information to

their children. Thus, insufficient sex education from home throws youths into confusion which

often results to personal search and in the process become prey to adults who could take

advantage and defile the innocent young females especially. Other factors associated with

premarital sex include influence of media, peer pressure, insatiable lust for money, cultural

influence, sexual harassment, curiosity, poor school discipline, location of school, religious

teachings and literacy (Alade et al., 2021). Meanwhile, consequences of pre-marital sex among

undergraduate students of university of Nigeria was studied by Olatunji (2019), who found that

59.5% of female undergraduates had engaged in premarital sex by the age of 18.

Another study in South West Nigeria found that adolescents had premarital sex 28.3% of the

time (Morhason-Bello et al., 2018). Since early sexual initiation lengthens the period of exposure

to unintended pregnancies, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections, this raises a lot of

concern. Young people who start having sex earlier seem more likely to do so with multiple

partners or high-risk partners and are less likely to use condoms (Alade, Owoeye & Bamidele,

2021). In Nigeria, AIDS claimed the lives of 2.2 million female adolescents in a single year

(Offor & Offiah, 2022). Since the outbreak began, it has claimed 16.3 million lives in sub-

Saharan Africa (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). The use of condoms has

increased premarital sex among today/s youth because they think it will shield them from

harmful diseases like HIV/AIDS. In Nigeria, this has encouraged a lot of female students to

participate in the act, but condoms do not offer complete immunity from the disease.

Several studies have explored the practice of premarital sexual activities among adolescents

(Abdullahi & Abdulquadri, 2018; Musa (2020); Osadolor et al., (2022); Oyediran (2020); and
Shiffman et al., (2018). However, only few of these studies, to the best of the researcher

knowledge have focused on the predictors of premarital sexual activities among secondary

school students in Ekiti State. Most of the studies focused on the implications of premarital sex

and did not include the expected roles of social workers. There is a gap of including the roles of

social work in an effort to introduce a functional sex education programme that will aid in the

reduction of premarital sexual activities by the secondary school students. This is because

secondary school students in Oye-Local Government Area of Ekiti State are naive to the

consequences of premarital sex because of misconceptions about sexuality.

Against this background, effort geared towards investigating the prevalence, perceived causes

and consequences of pre-marital sex among secondary school students in Oye Local Government

of Ekiti State hence necessitates this study.

1.2 Statement of Problem

Regrettably, the traditional values are changing rapidly and for the worse. An area in which the

decline of traditional value is loud and obvious is the issue of sexuality. It appears the society has

accepted premarital sex as a legitimate practice since emphasis has shifted from virginity till

marriage. From the researcher observation during the teaching practice programme in 2023/2024

academic session, secondary school students were caught in romantic mood behind the school

toilet. This is considered as immoral and total deviation from the values and norms of the school.

It is lamentable that these students caught in the act have done so under peers pressure and

influence. The desire to meet up with lifestyle enjoyed by their peers, tend to lure young people

into committing immoral act of premarital sex.

In addition, indulgence of secondary school students in premarital sex culminates in various

consequences such as unwanted pregnancy, exposure to sexually transmitted infections, poor

academic performance, school dropout and among others. It was noticed that secondary school

students maintain sexual relationships, even though cultural values in communities like Oye-

Ekiti do not permit it. It is also worrisome that most young people who indulge in premarital sex

do not really feel perturbed about it. This is particularly because they perceive it as being

common among their peers, and should be allowed to enjoy such experience. However, Offor

and Offiah (2021) stressed that there is worldwide concern on pre-marital sexuality as it

constitute global crisis which requires appropriate strategies to curb it even at the local level.

Yet, the consequences of premarital sex among youths are still pronounced in the society.

Therefore, the researcher deem it fit pertinent to investigate the perceived causes and

consequences of pre-marital sex among secondary school students in Oye Local Government

Area of Ekiti State.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to investigate the perceived causes and consequences of pre-

marital sex among secondary school students in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

The specific objectives are to:

i. assess the prevalence of pre-marital sex among secondary school students in Oye Local

Government Area of Ekiti State.

ii. determine the causes of pre-marital sex among secondary school students in Oye Local

Government Area of Ekiti State.

iii. examine the consequences the causes of pre-marital sex among secondary school students

in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

 iv. find out how pre-marital sex among secondary school students in Oye Local Government

Area of Ekiti State could be eradicated.

1.4 Research Questions

This study aim at answering the following research questions.

i. What is the prevalence rate of pre-marital sex among secondary school students in Oye

Local Government Area of Ekiti State?

ii. What are the causes of pre-marital sex among secondary school students in Oye Local

Government Area of Ekiti State?

iii. What are the consequences the causes of pre-marital sex among secondary school

students in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State?

iv. How could pre-marital sex among secondary school students in Oye Local Government

Area of Ekiti State be eradicated?

1.5 Significance/Justification of the Study

This study will be of great benefits to the researcher, the academic community, government

agencies, educational planners, and students.

Firstly, findings of this study will provide contribute to academic body of knowledge and serves

as an additional knowledge to past findings on researches already done on premarital sex

among secondary school students. It will provide the required data and resources for future

researchers in the area of premarital sexuality among students and other young people.

Secondly, this study will be of great importance because it will provide veritable tool in the

form of knowledge to schools on factors that bring about premarital sex among students in

secondary schools. This will enable the schools to fine-tune relevant policies for lasting arrest

of the immoral act among students.

Thirdly, findings of this study will be beneficial to the numerous students both ‘old and new’ on

the consequences of indulging in sex before marriage. This will enable them to work towards

averting such negative impact on the careers and personality. It will equally afford the students

with relevant information on the causes of premarital sex; this will help them to strategize on

how to avoid the causes.

Also, findings of this study will be an eye opener to parents and guardians on the how students

perceive premarital sexuality. This will enable them to find ways to re-orientate their children

or wards on the core values of the society. In addition, findings of this study will be useful to

school counselors who have bunch of tasks to do in order to correct anomaly of the students.

This is because the study tends to explore the factors, perception and consequences of

premarital sexuality; and these are important issues to the counselors.

Nevertheless, outcome of this study will also be of importance to the religion community,

media houses, and other relevant value and orientation outfits as it will tend to question their

responsibilities on imparting core values of the society on the young ones.

Lastly, this study can be used to strategize by education planners and policy makers for better

alternatives on educating the students on sex. It will provide them with information on how to

go about the unavoidable pressure associated with sex in secondary schools.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study will be maintained within the framework of the stated objectives. It will be an effort

aim to investigate the perceived causes and consequences of pre-marital sex among secondary

school students in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State with the focus on awareness

creation on the needs to curb pre-marital sex as it could be a means of alleviating the prevalence

of pre-marital sex among secondary school students. For the purpose of this study, teachers in
public secondary school in Oye-Ekiti Local Government Area in Ekiti State will be used for this

study. Meanwhile, a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire will be used to collect data

from the target respondents.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Defilement:- Defilement implies befouling of what could or should have been kept clean and

pure or held sacred and commonly suggests violation or desecration

Fornication:- Fornication is generally consensual sexual intercourse between two people not

married to each other. When one or more of the partners having consensual sexual intercourse is

married to another person, it is called adultery.

Masturbation:- Masturbation is when an individual stimulates their genitals for sexual pleasure,

which may or may not lead to orgasm. There are many myths regarding the side effects of

masturbation, but the majority of these are false.

Pornography:- Pornography has been defined as sexual subject material "such as a picture,

video, or text" that is intended for sexual arousal. Intended for consumption by adults,

pornography depictions have evolved from cave paintings, some forty millennia ago, to virtual

reality presentations.

Premarital sex:- Premarital sex is sexual activity which is practiced by people before they are

married. Premarital sex is considered a sin by a number of religions and also considered a moral

issue which is taboo in many cultures.

Sex education:- Sex education also known as sexual education, sexuality education or sex ed, is

the instruction of issues relating to human sexuality, including human sexual anatomy, sexual
activity, sexual reproduction, safe sex and birth control, sexual health, reproductive health,

emotional relations and responsibilities, age of consent, and reproductive rights.

 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Conceptual Review

2.1.1 Sex

Sex refers to the biological and physiological characteristics that define men and women. It

entails biological or physical distinctions between males and females, including primary sex

characteristics the reproductive system and secondary characteristics such as height and

muscularity (Nwankwo, 2019). Sex is usually categorized as female or male but there is

variation in the biological attributes that comprise sex and how those attributes are expressed.

Sex in the context of this study refers to the insertion and thrusting of the penis, usually when

erect, into the vagina for sexual pleasure, reproduction or both. This is what links up with the

issue of premarital sex (Durosomo, 2018).

2.1.2 Pre-marital Sex

Whenever people who are not married are indulging in sexuality or experiencing sexual

intercourse for whatever reason, premarital sex is said to be established. It is the experience or

indulgence of two or more people who are not officially married in sexual intercourse. Abdullahi

and Abdulquadri (2018) considered premarital sex as the involvement in sexual intercourse by

persons who have not engaged in marital vow or culturally recognized as having been enrolled in

marriage institution. Pre-marital sex, can also be said as the intercourse committed between two

or more persons before entering a commitment of holy marriage (Ajayi, Somefun & Dalby,

2019). Premarital sex is sexual activity which is practiced by people before they are married.

Premarital sex is considered a sin by a number of religions and also considered a moral

issue which is taboo in many cultures. In addition, premarital sex is described as an evil and a
shameful deed in Quran chapter 17 verse 32 (Ghani et al., 2024). These verses from the Quran

make it clear that Islam forbids premarital sex.

According to Christian doctrine, the marriage bed should be kept pure, for God will judge all the

sexually immoral (Heb.13:4). In this context, refraining from sexual activity prior to marriage is

referred to as keeping the marriage bed holy, particularly premarital sex, is referred to as sexual

immorality. Thus, it is also evident that having sexual relations with someone prior to getting

married is forbidden for Christians’ premarital sex (Raji, 2018). Premarital sex is a common

occurrence among female students in secondary school (Adeniyi, 2019). It has become a norm

among many female students while abstinence is no longer regarded as a virtue. Those who

abstain or are chaste are regarded as uncivilized. Premarital sex is sexual activity that occurs

prior to marriage and is typically observed among female students in tertiary institutions and

secondary schools (Durosomo, 2018).

Premarital sex is caused by a variety of factors, including youth curiosity, media influence, peer

pressure, an unquenchable lust for money, cultural influences, sexual harassment, poor school

discipline, school location, religious teachings and literacy, indecent dress, lust, pornography,

insanity and sex promiscuity, as well as moral decadence (Alade, Owoeye & Bamidele, 2021).

However, premarital sex is morally wrong in almost every human society that views marriage as

a necessary condition for sexual tolerance, especially among young women who are thought to

be more susceptible to health issues. An estimated one-quarter of sexually active teenagers in

Nigeria have been impacted by the increase in premarital sex (Olatunji, 2019). It undoubtedly

has detrimental effects, including unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and

social and emotional effects (Raji, 2018).

2.1.3 Cultural views on Premarital Sex

The cultural acceptability of premarital sex varies between individuals, cultures and time periods.

Western cultures have traditionally been disapproving of it, on occasions forbidding it. In

Individual views within a given society can vary greatly, with expectations ranging from

total abstinence to frequent casual sex. Unmarried cohabitation and births outside marriage have

increased in many Western countries during the past few decades. The traditional values are

changing rapidly and for the worse. An area in which the decline of traditional value is loud and

obvious is the issue of sexuality. In Nigeria, especially in Yoruba culture sex is considered a sin

by a number of religions (Adama & Ejih, 2021). Thus, it is also evident that having sexual

relations with someone prior to getting married is forbidden in Yoruba culture premarital sex.

Greenwood (2019) further added that technological progress in contraception led to a rise in

premarital sex and less stigmatization by parents, churches, and governments. He argues that

singles weigh the cost (a potential pregnancy) and benefit of premarital sex.

2.1.4 Religious views on Premarital Sex

Views on premarital sex are often shaped by religious teachings and beliefs, in part because

ancient religious texts forbid it. People who actively practice religion are less likely to engage in

premarital sex or go longer before having sex for the first time. Muslims and Hindus are less

likely to report having premarital sex than Christians, Jews, and Buddhists (Onalu et al., 2021).

Islam has the greatest effect of attitudes on premarital sex. People in predominantly Muslim

societies have the lowest report of engaging in premarital sex (Omobumeh & Adesua, 2020).

Christianity, Judaism, and Islam have strict rules about specific behaviors and sex outside of

marriage. Both Christianity and Islam, the two main religions in Nigeria, vehemently condemn
premarital sex and call for specific sanctions against offenders (Olatunji, 2019). Premarital sex is

occasionally rebranded as fornication due to its connotation.

According to Islamic law, chapter 24 verse 2 of the Holy Quran, anyone caught engaging in

fornication sex that occurs before marriage, or premarital sex should be publicly flogged with

100 stripes and no one should show sympathy for the offender (Ghani et al., 2024). In addition,

premarital sex is described as an evil and a shameful deed in Quran chapter 17 verse 32 (Ghani

et al., 2024). These verses from the Quran make it clear that Islam forbids premarital sex.

According to Christian doctrine, the marriage bed should be kept pure, for God will judge all the

sexually immoral (Heb.13:4). In this context, refraining from sexual activity prior to marriage is

referred to as keeping the marriage bed holy, while any unacceptable sexual behaviour,

particularly premarital sex, is referred to as sexual immorality. Thus, it is also evident that having

sexual relations with someone prior to getting married is forbidden for Christians’ premarital sex

(Raji, 2018). Students who attend a faith-based (predominantly Christian) schools view

premarital sexual activity more negatively than students who do not.

2.2 Perceived Causes of Premarital Sex

Secondary school students are initially socialized in the home environment but as they begin to

attend school, other people like teachers and peers, begin to have an influence on them and their

behaviors as well (Adeniyi, 2019). Some factors were identified by Adeniyi (2019) as reasons for

the pre-marital sex among unmarried people, and these include: parental influence, economic

reasons, peer pressure or influence, search of pleasure, academic pursuit, etc.

2.2.1 Parental Influence

The extent of parental emotional resources for control can have a significant influence on the

youth to engage in or not to engage in premarital sex (Aleke et al., 2021). Family factors such as

the relationship between the parents and adolescents in the area of care and protection, single

parents, monogamy and polygamy and the parenting style cannot be ignored in the study of

premarital sex. Family remains the first socializing agents that a child comes in contact with, and

it goes a long way in defining and determining what the child will be. The most powerful sources

of social influence are parents and family members. Another aspect of parental control is parent-

child communication. Ezumah et al., (2021) argued that conventional wisdom would suggest that

adolescents whose parents frequently engage in discussions, especially reproductive and sexual

health issues would be less likely to be sexually delinquent.

According to Abdullahi (2024), it has been observed that in sub-Saharan Africa, parent-child

communication usually fraught with discomfiting, especially with fathers’. Therefore, family as

the first agent of socialization helps in shaping the life of an individual. The socialization given

to one in the home has a big role to play in one’s life in the tertiary institution. Some students

involve in premarital sex because of lack of parental control and home training. They come to

school and behave anyway they like. Angelo et al., (2020) observed that in Africa homes,

parents are not fully equipped to answer questions on sexual matters adequately; even those who

attempt to pass on faulty information to their children. Thus, insufficient sex education from

home throws youths into confusion which often results to personal search and in the process

become prey to adults who could take advantage and defile the innocent young females

especially (Offor & Offiah, 2021).

2.2.2 Economic Reasons

This is a group of reasons that include the need for money, materialism and other valued goods

like cellular phones, laptop etc. Economic reason is the main reason why student indulge in pre-

marital sex rather than the other (influence, pleasure) explanatory factors given in students have

modern technology-driven material and enough money to lavish around, students need money to

make ends meet and some of them can do anything to get the money (Babatunde, 2019). The

desire for high social status or fashion and material goods among the students is another factor

for engaging in premarital sex. Most students, after satisfying all their basic needs, go ahead to

acquire things like, expensive dresses, iphones, television sets, etc. They go the extra mile

acquiring things for themselves in immoral ways. Most students strive to acquire false status by

pretending to be rich or to be from rich families. Poverty or economic depravity has also been

linked with premarital sexual practice among students (Adeola & Adams, 2019).

Igba et al., (2018) observed that some females entered into premarital sexual relationships

ostensibly for financial reward because their parents could not meet their basic needs such as

paying for tuition fees. Also, girls whose parents are economically disadvantaged or less

empowered are often times unable to adequately provide for their daughters and thus, their

daughters are exposed to seek financial favours elsewhere. In this regard, research has shown

that the most likely sources of obtaining such financial favours are from young and older men

who in turn ask for sexual favours from such girls.

2.2.3 Peer Influence

Peers like roommates, classmates, club associates and other members of one’s social group

members equally influence one to be a deviant or conformist. According to Hammer and

Bangers (2020) research has shown that some students engage in one form of premarital sex or

the other as a result of the influences of their mates. Peer pressure is another factor that
influences student sexual behavior. As students begin to socialize with their peers, they tend to

shift and values they learnt from home socialization to reliance on their peers. Hammer and

Bangers (2020) stated that a commonly cited reason for initiating sexual relations among

adolescents was pressure from society and their peers. In their quest for a sense of belonging and

to avoid rejection by the group the adolescents succumb to this pressure. It has been shown that

young people whose friends are sexually active or who perceive their friends to be sexually

active are more likely to be sexually active themselves. On the other hand, Omobumeh and

Adesua (2020) revealed that students who stated that more than half of their friends had sex were

also more likely to have had sex themselves. Yet, others engaged in sexual activity to raise their

ego or status among their peers.

2.2.4 Emotional Pleasure

Basically, when students are in the transitional stage of crush, pleasure and sensation is what

most of them seek on campus. Omobumeh and Adesua (2020) argued that while some people

engage in sex for money and love, others do so for the pleasure of it. This study has revealed that

students engage in pre-marital sex for a variety of factors. A student may engage in pre-marital

sex with another person for pleasure. Premarital sex for pleasure is not rampant and it is

associated with boys and girls who have enough money and materials. Students involved in

sexuality for pleasure do not have a permanent partner and consequently they are the potential

victims of STDs/HIV/AIDs in most cases (Oyediran, 2020).

2.2.5 Search for Academic Advantage

Students can occasionally engage in sexual practices for academic advantage, specially the

academically weak ones. Osadolor et al., (2022) argued that students who are academically weak

become lay ups for any student that is academically sound and is ready to do his/ her
assignments and examinations. Some of the poor but intelligent students are always willing to

come to the aid of dull students. They sometimes engage in sex with them and also collect

money. Osadolor et al., (2022) further stressed that as a result of search for academic advantage,

female students sleep with male students as a payment for his writing examinations, assignments,

copying notes etc., for her. Students know that if they don’t perform well in their academics, the

consequence of carry-over may be alarming; hence, they go the extra mile to maintain academic

excellence or good grades.

2.2.6 Love Reasons

Study by Sosa (2020) revealed that love is a factor for engaging in pre-marital sex. For instance,

40% of respondents posited they engage in pre-marital sex for love sake. It is important to note

that 25% of the respondents who affirmed to be engaging in pre-marital sex for love reasons only

do so occasions. Discussants across groups and gender were of the view that engaging in sex

activities for love exists but on rare occasions and mostly among the younger students and those

who see relationship as an avenue for possible marriage (Sosa, 2020). Some of the male students

break relationship in some cases when they experience sexual relations with a girl because they

do not want to be hooked for marriage.

2.2.7 Indecent Dressing

Provocative and sexy dressing pattern have tendency to trigger off urge for sexual practices

among young people. Observation shows that most of the students wear tight fitted dresses. In

the case of female students, Oyediran (2020) observed that some of them put on transparent

dresses sometimes without brassiere, particularly in the evenings. Some of the dresses promote

nudity. Students’ dressing recently is really indecent. Provocative dressing encourages sexual

urges which facilitates pre-marital sex in some instances. It is also understandable from female’s
perspective that social clubs want everything about a student to be attractive and appealing, and

such include dresses that expose body parts, during night shows while performing on stage.

Dressing is very important to students’ life and it defines one’s social status and outlook

(Omobumeh & Adesua, 2020).

2.3 Consequence of Premarital Sex

Today’s secondary school students and youth are more susceptible to the dangers of illicit sex

than previous generations. Unfortunately, some Nigerian youths actively engaged in premarital

sex despite the detrimental consequences associated with it. However Adeniyi (2019) believes

that many secondary school students indulge in sexual relationship with the opposite sex without

really knowing the implications. The primary effort of this section is to make bare these harmful

consequences of premarital sex. Adama and Ejih (2021) lamented that sex has created and is still

creating problems for many of our youths, parents and the entire society, such as unplanned

marriage, abortion, premature deaths etc. One of the scholars such as Fadipe and Olakojo (2021)

believed that the most prominent effects of premarital sex are sexually transmitted infections and

unwanted pregnancies. The consequences include:

2.3.1 Unplanned Pregnancy

This is often associated with premarital sex. When a pregnancy is an outcome of premarital sex,

most students resort to abortion as a way of concealing their acts in order to avoid

embarrassment. The girl feels ashamed to carry a pregnancy that is out of wedlock while the boy

responsible for the pregnancy is not mature enough to tackle the responsibilities of fatherhood

(Galloway, 2020). According to Igbo (2018), this act is most commonly associated with females

while males co-pilot the affair. An unsuccessful abortion could lead to death or the destruction of

the womb. It could also lead to childlessness at later years. Premarital sexual practices have
given birth to illegal child trafficking (Nwankwo, 2019). Young female students can now take in,

only to deliver and dump baby’s accordance with the management of such homes. Such babies

are later adopted by couples who are childless. Meanwhile, the practice of sharp-sharp sex was

said to contribute for some unwanted pregnancy among to students.

2.3.2 Health Effects

It is a strongly believe that premarital sex poses a lot of health challenges to those who engage in

it (Ajayi, Somefun & Dalby, 2019). Students who engage in premarital sex run the risk of

contracting sexually transmitted infections (STI) such as AIDs, HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea,

Genital herpes, general Warts, Trichomoniasis, syphilis and so on. These diseases are life-

threatening, painful and can cause infertility (Ajayi et al., 2019). Students who engage in group

sex, sharp-sharp sex and sodomy account for a greater proportion of STI’s victims.

2.3.3 School Drop Out

Unwanted pregnancy often disrupts the education of female students, thereby increasing the

chances of dropping out of school (Abdullahi & Abdulquadri, 2018). When a girl becomes

pregnant and drops out of school, she may never resume again except in rare cases. Even when

the girl decides to remain in school, the challenges of unplanned pregnancy and motherhood may

lead to poor academic performance. This had prevented many female students from achieving

their educational goals. Consequently poverty may set in because job opportunities have

decreased as a result of lack of education (Ajayi et al., 2019).

2.3.4 Victims of Rituals

It is believed that engaging in sex deviant act may lead one to be victim to ritualize while trying

to use what they have to get what they want. Some become bedridden with strange diseases, a lot
of others never lived to tell the tale. Babatunde (2019) lamented that most people who were

looking for human parts for ritual purposes give huge amounts of money to greedy and

materialistic students, who possibly would end up with missing part or death. Female students

are more likely to be victims of rituals because they need money by all means to maintain high

class on campus. Students like this see themselves as the big girls on campus.

2.3.5 Depression

Studies have shown that most victims of rape, those who had unwanted pregnancies and those

caught in acts of sodomy tend to more depressed than others who engage in premarital sex (Sosa,

2020). Depression may lead to risky sexual behaviour, increase ones’ ability to control impulsive

behaviour, increase emotional reactivity in peer relationship, and reduce motivation and

increases fatalism. These effects of depression may inhibit an individual clear perception of the

risk of contracting an STD and their ability to prevent risky sexual behavior (Oyediran, 2020).

The emotional stress of breaking sexual relationships also causes depression. Students tend to

invest more in a relationship that seems real at first, and then suffer deeper pain and hurt when

the relationship comes to an end. Depressed students and young adults are more likely to engage

in risky sexual behaviours, have an increased risk of a sexually transmitted infection, and are less

likely to use condoms or use them appropriately (Sosa, 2020).

2.3.6 Poor Academic Performance

Students’ engagement in premarital sexual practice can lead to poor academic performance.

Problem frequently experienced by students due to premarital sex includes missed classes,

missed assignment and poor academic achievement (Adama & Ejih, 2021). From many

undergraduate students, secondary education life is a major transition in their lives since they are

accorded the chance to decide what to do without the undue influence of their parents. Many
researchers believe that students’ sexual relationship adversely affects academic performance.

Adeniyi (2019) argued that most sexually active students perform poorly in their studies and

faced several problems which pose challenges to their academic lives. Students’ sexual

relationship is inherently short-term and unstable, which means, when it collapses the result is

likely to be emotional turmoil and depression. Academically, if student is psychological

disturbed or depressed, he or she is likely to perform poor (Durosomo, 2018).

2.3.7 Loss of Self Respect

Students’ engagement in premarital sex leads to loss of self-respect. When a person falls so low

and allows him or herself to be used as a sex object he/she will certainly lose self-respect and

personality in the eyes of both the person and the larger society (Sosa, 2020). Loss of self-respect

also comes when students happen to contact STDs or were raped in the case of female students.

A female student who engages in group sex, sharp-sharp sex or being watched by others while

having sex, usually suffer a loss of self-esteem. Students who had abortion or got pregnant

equally suffer from loss of self-esteem (Adeniyi, 2019).

2.3.8 Feeling of Regret or Guilt

In as much as a sexual act can be pleasurable, it leads to guilt and regret. Guilt about past sexual

acts ends up crippling people when they become parents and most often they become very strict

with their children’s sexual behaviour, which in turn makes such children curious about sex acts

and thus easily get involved when the opportunity comes up (Fadipe & Olakojo, 2021). Some

female students regret losing their virginity because money or material things that won’t last.

Guilt is a form of regret, a feeling that a person has gone against his/her conscience or has done
something morally wrong. Guilt comes as a result of the fear that parents are aware of one’s

sexual acts or would be upset if they know one is having sex (Babatunde, 2019).

2.4 Needs for Sex Education in Secondary School Education

From the review of the literature, it high time for sex education should be reintroduced in

secondary schools to help students know about sex. Study conducted by Igbo (2018) revealed

that the sampled secondary school students evaluated were of the view that ‘neither our teachers

nor our parents teach us how to live a healthy sexual life, as they see it as taboo to discuss a

sexual topic with adolescents’. Some parents, teachers, and religious leaders also believe that

discussing sex with the underage exposes them to premarital sex, without knowing that they are

worsening the situation by making us ignorant of the issue at hand. Hence, sex education should

be reintroduced to educate the people on dangers associated with premarital and unprotected sex

such as unplanned pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, STDs, poor academic achievement, expulsion from

school, early marriage, health complications, and death.

2.5 Theoretical Review

Several theories have been put forward by scholars to explain the phenomenon of pre-marital

sex. This study will be anchored by Lckek Ajzen Theory of Planned Behaviour

2.5.1 Lckek Ajzen Theory of Planned Behaviour

The study is theoretically guided by Lckek Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour which was

propounded in 2006. This theory looks at the attitudes toward behaviours and the factors

influencing behaviour (Nwankwo, 2019). It also provides an understanding of how a person’s

perceptions of the behaviour can be a good indicator of whether the behaviour will occur. This

study is partly considering the causes and attitude of secondary school students towards

premarital sexuality, and this is in alignment with the basic tenets of the theory of planned
behaviours. The ability to comprehend certain behaviours and learn how they can be changed is a

major premise of the theory of planned behaviour. According to Lckek Ajzen (2006), there are

three purposes for which theory of planned behaviour was propounded, and these are highlighted

below:

Predicting and understanding influences, which motivate an individual to perform a certain

behaviour when it is thought to be beyond the person’s control; learning to recognize various

strategies to change human behaviour and explain all the decisions an individual makes

regardless of its importance (Ajayi et al., 2019). However, if there are negative behaviours on the

part of the individual, it is essential that health care providers are aware and assist with

interventions to change the behaviours. The theory of planned behaviour can guide

understanding as to why individuals exhibit certain behaviour such as indulgence in premarital

sexuality. Theory of planned behaviour is divided into three main domains as seen below:

behaviour beliefs; attitude about the behaviour; normative beliefs-subjective norms, knowledge

and perceived social pressure of performing the behaviour;

Control beliefs perceived behavioural control, a person’s initiative to perform the behaviour is

based on how easy or difficult it will be to perform the behaviour and the difficulty in

performing the behaviour. These domains in turn are combined to influence behavioural

intention and ultimately the behaviour being studied (Ajayi et al., 2019). Based on the theory,

perceived behaviour control also has a direct link to the actual behaviour. If one perceives certain

behaviour such as premarital sexuality as being a norm, it can influence the individual to desire

to practice it. The prevalence of sexual content in the media encountered by young people,

precisely secondary school students may appear to be normal acceptable behaviour.

According to the theory, the perceived behavioural expectations from significant sources, such as

peers or other groups encountered by the student, makes up an individual’s normative beliefs.

The normative beliefs that appear attainable and are perceived as high expectation by the

individual’s significant group comprise the subjective norms. Subjective, norms are an

individual’s perception of social pressure to take part or not take part in behaviour. When the

youth is receiving a continuous stream of sexual information, whether it is from media or peers,

this individual may believe this behaviour is expected to occur. Control beliefs relate to the

student’s idea of the accessibility of becoming sexually active, and if the students believes the

behaviour could occur, the individual will seek and set up situations for it to happen. This is

basically a clarification the strategy students adopt to ensure they experience sex before marriage

for desires that appeal to them (Ajayi et al., 2019).

2.6 Empirical Review

Bolu-Steve, Ajiboye and Fadipe (2023) investigated causes and consequences of premarital sex

among female students of Oke-Ogun polytechnic, Oyo state. Researchers-developed instrument

tagged “Causes and Consequences of Premarital Sex Questionnaire (CCPSQ)” was used to

collect the data. Two hundred and fifty respondents participated in the study, and simple random

sampling technique was used to select the participants. The findings of the study revealed that

negative peer pressure, cohabitation and sexual harassment were the major causes of premarital

sex, while the study also revealed that unsafe abortion, school dropout and unwanted pregnancy

were the major consequences of premarital sex among respondents. The study thus

recommended that school counsellors should constantly be in contact with female students to

educate them on sexuality and how best to manage their sexual feelings without necessarily

engaging in premarital sex. School authorities should use media means to counsel female
students on the causes and consequences of premarital sex. Health educators should rise to the

challenge of organising enlightenment activities in schools in order to provide adequate

reproductive health information to female students

Okah et al., (2023) examined the factors associated with premarital sexual activities among

adolescent students in Ebonyi state. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study using

unstructured in-depth interviews to collect data from 24 purposively selected respondents and

analyzed thematically. Findings show that poverty, peer group influence, pornography, and

desire for pleasure were some of the causes of premarital sex among students; while unintended

pregnancy, abortion, poor academic performance, school dropout, and early marriage were

identified as some of its consequences. The study recommended mass sensitization campaigns

and the introduction of sex education as a remedy to the ugly practice. Social workers should be

involved in enlightenment campaigns on the dangers associated with the lack of sex education,

and premarital sex activities by the students.

Embiyale (2019) explored the prevalence of premarital sexual practice and its associated factors

among senior students in Alage ATVET College, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resource,

Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 363 systematically selected students by

using self-administered questionnaire and complimented by a qualitative data. The data was

entered, cleaned and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariate logistic

regressions were used for quantitative data analysis while thematic presentation was used for

qualitative data. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to measure the strength and

significance of the association. In this study, more than half 188(53%) of the participants had

premarital sexual experience, of which 131(69.7%) were males and 57(30.3%) were females.

The mean age at first sexual intercourse was 18.12 for males and 17.07 for females. The main
reasons reported for initiation of premarital sexual intercourse were personal interest to try

sex(36.17%), peer pressure (26.6%) and to get money or gifts 22 (11.7%). While male

sex[AOR=3.33, 95% CI(1.2-9.24)], having pocket money[AOR=9.63, 95% CI(3.61-25.79)],

watching pornography[AOR=1.34,95% CI(0.45-3.98)], having sexual experienced friends

[AOR=2.97, 95% CI(1.06-8.32)], alcohol drinking [AOR=1.54; 95% CI(0.59-4.01)] and dating

experience [AOR=42.43, 95% CI(14.93-120.62)] were found to be statically significant

predictors of premarital sexual practice. In conclusion, this particular study indicated that a

substantial proportion of youths were practicing premarital sexual practices that predispose them

to different reproductive health problems.

Adeola and Adams (2019) examined influence of premarital sexual behaviour on secondary

school students’ academic performance in Kabba-Bunu L.G.A of Kogi State, Nigeria. Premarital

sexual behavior among students in secondary schools is found to be common. However, studies

in Nigeria and Kabba-bunu L.G.A in particular on the influence of premarital sexual behavior on

academic performance have not dealt much with the contribution of students’ premarital sexual

behaviour thoroughly or adequately research on. This study attempted to highlight the extent to

which students’ premarital sexual behavior on academic performance. The study used 320

respondents drawn from eight (8) secondary schools in Kabba-Bunu L.G.A using simple random

sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was developed and administered by the researcher

on the respondents; data collected were analyzed using inferential statistics of Chi-square. The

findings of the study revealed that students’ involvement in premarital sexual behavior puts them

into lots of relational and social problems which adversely affect their academic performance. It

is recommended that, in order to help students in schools, establishing bounds between parents
and teachers in bringing up the student is a necessary step; strengthening support systems in

schools is another way of helping the student’s.

Anene, Ojinaka and Ndie (2017) determined the prevalence and variables influencing pre-marital

sex among secondary school adolescents in Anambra State of Nigeria. A cross-sectional

descriptive study was conducted among secondary school adolescents in Anambra State. Data

was collected using a pre-tested, structured, self-administered questionnaire. Respondents were

selected using a multistage sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection in the

study was the Secondary School Student Sex Variables Questionnaire (SSSVQ) which was

constructed by the researcher. A total of 955 respondents were surveyed. More than half of the

respondents (54.8%) are aged between 14 and 17 years of age. The prevalence of pre-marital sex

among the respondents was 66.6%. Among the 636 respondents who have had pre-marital sex,

500 (78.6%) were males, while 136 (21.4%) were females (X2 =0.010, df=1, p=0.010). It was

concluded that that the incidence of pre-marital sex among secondary school adolescents is high.

It was recommended that Nurses who are in charge of school health clinics should counsel the

adolescents on the dangers of pre-marital sex and also provide them with skills to be able to take

the right decisions and parents and guardians should re-examine and sharpen their parenting

skills with a view to instilling the desired strong moral and disciplinary attitudes in the youths.

Offor and Offiah (2021) investigated reasons and implications of premarital sexual escapades

among female undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Two research questions

guided the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population

of the study was 23,621 comprising 12639 males and 10982 females. The sample comprised of

800 undergraduate students. The sample was composed using simple random sampling method.

Data collected were analyzed using mean. The findings of the study showed that cohabitation of
students, poor socio-economic status of parents, peer group influence, indecent dressing among

students, watching pornographic movies and pictures, quest for materialism, inability to control

sexual urge, addiction to drugs and alcohol, poor parental upbringing of children and students

lifestyle were the reasons behind premarital sex among undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe

University, Awka. Also, it was discovered that unplanned pregnancy, unsafe abortion, infertility,

untimely death, drug and alcoholic addiction, students joining bad company, loss of self-control,

transmission of sexually transmitted diseases and prostitution were the implications of premarital

sex. Premarital sex with its attendant risk to unstrained fun and sexual activities may cause

distraction for students. This may lead to academic underachievement. Based on the findings

study, it was concluded that premarital sex persist among undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe

University, Awka sequel to diverse socioeconomic reasons which could hamper their academic

pursuit and goals in life. University authorities should also include issue of premarital sex in

students’ handbook; what constitutes premarital sex, its consequences on students and punitive

measures to be meted out to students who indulge in it.

2.7 Summary of Literature Review

Premarital sex from the above review has become rampant and common among secondary

school students. Although the society considers it abnormal, it is still spreading like wide fire. It

is understandable that several factors tend to influence peoples’ perception and tendencies to

indulging in premarital sex. These factors as seen above include: parental influence, economic

reasons, peer influence, emotional pleasure, search for academic advantage, love reasons and

indecent dressing. In the above, such consequences were revealed to include: unplanned

pregnancy, health effects, school drop-out, victims of rituals, depression, poor academic

performance, loss of self-respect and feeling of regret or guilt.

Theoretically, Lckek Ajzen Theory of Planned Behaviour guided the study. The theory explained

peoples’ attitude toward behaviours and the factors which influence behaviour. It equally

provided understanding on how a person’s perception of the behaviour such as premarital sex can

indicate the occurrence or non-occurrence of certain behaviours. It explains the reasons behind

the decisions young people make in relation to sex irrespective of regardless of its benefits.

Empirically, various studies reviewed above have been carried out outside Oye Local

Government area of Ekiti State which is the focus of current study. It is also understood that most

of the studies did not pay attention to the moral implication of premarital sex. In other to fill such

gap, the current study is embarked on.

 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This section presents the research methodology for the study. The chapter describes the research

design, population, sample and sampling techniques, method of data collection, validity of the

study, reliability of the study and method of data analysis.

3.1 Research Design

This study will adopt a descriptive design of the survey type. This study approach systematically

outlines the traits or information about a certain group. However, the survey methodology is

deemed suitable for this study since it may help the researcher collect information on premarital

sex among secondary school students in Oye-Ekiti Local Government of Ekiti State.

3.2 Population of the Study

The population for the study includes SS II and SS I public secondary students in Oye-Ekiti

Local Government of Ekiti State. The total population size of SS II and SS I public secondary

schools students in Oye-Ekiti Local Government of Ekiti State was found to be one thousand

four hundred and seventy-one (1471) based on the records obtained from principals in all the

targeted schools.

3.3 Sample and Sampling Techniques

Sample can be defined as a small group of respondents drawn from a population about which a

researcher is interested in getting the information so as to arrive at a conclusion . The selection of

the Business education students will be through the use of random sampling techniques.

Therefore, Taro Yamani’s Statistical Formula will be employed to obtain an accurate sample.

However, a total of three hundred (300) SS II and SS I schools in public secondary schools in
Oye-Ekiti Local Government of Ekiti State will be selected randomly among the total population

of public school students in Oye-Ekiti Local Government of Ekiti State.

3.4 Method of Data Collection

To carryout out this study, a self-structured questionnaire will be designed to generate

information on the basis of the research. The questionnaire will be divided into five sections “A”,

“B”, “C”, “D” and “E”. Section “A” will contains the personal information of the respondents.

While, section B, C and D will contains questions which were raised to elicit response from the

respondents based on the study research questions. The scale of rating is divided into four parts:

(Strongly Agreed, Agreed, Disagreed and Strongly Disagreed).

3.5 Validity of the Study

Face and content validity of the research instrument (questionnaire) will be validated by the

researchers’ supervisors as well as experts in Department of Guidance and Counselling. The

instrument will be clear and also the scope, content and relevance of the items will be validated

so as to measure what is supposed to measure. The researcher supervisor will ensure that the

instrument represents the entire range of possible items to be tested in the study. The

questionnaire will be modified in line with their recommendation.

3.6 Reliability of the study

Reliability can be equated with the stability, consistency, or dependability of a measuring tool.

However, test re-test method will be employed, test is will be repeated to the same sample of

respondents on two occasions with the use of pilot study. In addition, Pearson Product

Correlation Matrix (PPCM) will be used to test the reliability of the instruments.
3.7 Method of Data Analysis

The data collected will be analyzed using descriptive analysis approach. The descriptive analysis

involves the use of tables, frequency, simple percentages, mean and standard deviations to

analyze the data collected from the respondents. Data from the administered questionnaires in

this study will be analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20).
 CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
This chapter presents the results and summary of findings. The data collected for the study
were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean rank analysis, T-test and ANOVA. The results
are presented in the tables below.

Demographic Data of the Respondents

Table 4.1: Gender Distribution of the Respondents
Gender Frequency Percentage (%)
Male 84 42.0
Female 116 58.0
Total 200 100.0

Table 4.1 above shows the gender distribution of the respondents. It shows that 84
respondents are male which represent the 42.0% of the entire population while female are 116 in
number which represent 58.0% of the total respondents.

Table 4.2: Age Distribution of the Respondents

Age Range Frequency Percentage (%)
10 – 13 years 42 21.0
14 – 17 132 66.0
18 – 21 26 13.0
Total 200 100.0

Table 4.2 reveals the frequency distribution of the respondent’s age. It shows that the
respondents between the age ranges of 10 - 13 years are 42 in number which represent 21.0%.
Those between age ranges of 14-17 years are 132 which represent 66.0%, while the respondents
between 18-21 years and above are 26 in number which represent 13.0% of the entire sample.
Table 4.3: Class Distribution of the Respondents
Class Frequency Percentage (%)
SS 1 106 53.0
SS 2 94 47.0
Total 200 100.0

Table 4.3 above reveals the distribution of the respondents into different classes. It shows
that 106 representing 53.0% respondents are from SS 1, while 94 respondents representing
47.0% are from SS2. There is no equal representation from each of the class.

Table 4.4: Family Type distribution of the Respondents

Family Type Frequency Percentage (%)
Monogamy 72 36.0
Polygamy 116 58.0
Total 200 100.0

Table 4.4 above reveals the distribution of the respondents into different family type. It
shows that 72 representing 36.0% respondents are from monogamy, while 116 respondents
representing 58.0% are from polygamy.

Table 4.5: Parental marital status of the Respondents

Parents marital status Frequency Percentage (%)
Single parents 50 25.0
Married 94 47.0
Divorced 40 20.0
Widow 16 8.0
Total 200 100.0

Table 4.5 shows the frequency distribution of the respondents’ parents’ marital status. It
reveals that 50 respondents are from single parents representing 25.0%, 94 participants come
from married parents representing 47.0%, 40 respondents representing 20.0% are from divorced
parents while 16 respondents come from widowed parents representing 8.0%. This shows that
majority of the respondents are from married parents.

Table 4.6: Parental Socioeconomic status

Parental socio-economic status Frequency Percentage (%)
Very rich 12 6.0
Rich 46 23.0
Average 98 49.0
Poor 12 6.0
Very poor 32 16.0
Total 200 100.0

Table 4.6 reveals the frequency distribution of the respondents’ based on their parental socio-
economic status as perceived by their children. It shows that 12 parents are very rich representing
the 6.0% of the population, 46 parents representing 23.0 are rich, 98 parents are average,
representing 49.0% 12 parents are poor representing 6.0% while the remaining 32 respondents’
parents are very poor which represents 16.0%. This indicates that majority of the respondents has
average parental socio-economic status.

Research Question One: What is the prevalence of premarital sex among by secondary school
students
Table 4:8: Descriptive Statistics showing the prevalence of premarital sex among
secondary school students
Prevalence premarital sex Frequency Percentage
Low 14 7.0%
Average 68 34.0%
High 118 59.0

Table 4.8 revealed that 14 participants which represented 13.7% score low in premarital sex
engagement tools administered, 68 participants representing 34.0% scored average while 118
participants indicated the high engagement in premarital sex. This implies that majority of
secondary school students engage in premarital sex. Hence, there is high prevalence of
premarital sex among secondary school students.

Research Question Two: Is there significant difference in premarital sex engagement

among male and female secondary school students?
Table 4:9: T-test showing the significant difference in premarital sex engagement among
male and female secondary school students
Variable N Х SD T Df P Remark
Male 84 1.93 .259 20.092 198 .000 S
Female 116 1.83 .379

The result from table 4.9 above shows that, the value of (t = 20.092 df = 198, p<0.05). Since
p<0.05, therefore, there is significant difference in premarital sex engagement among male and
female secondary school students. This result indicates that gender is a factor affecting
premarital sex as female mean score is higher than male mean. Female seems to engage more in
premarital sex than male.

Research Question Three: Is there significant difference in the level of premarital sex
engagement of secondary school students based on age?
Table 4.10: Analysis of Variance showing the significant difference in the level of
premarital sex engagement of secondary school students based on age
Source of variation Sum of squares df Mean square F Sig Remark
Between Groups .497 1 .497 4.447 .036 S
Within Groups 22.123 198 .112
Total 22.620 199

From the analysis of variance in table 4.10, there is significant difference in the level of
premarital sex engagement of secondary school students based on age. The F-ratio (F (1,199) =
4.447, P<.05) further affirms the significance of the finding. Hence there is significant difference
in premarital sex engagement of secondary school students based on age.
Research Questions Four: What are the causes of premarital sex as perceived by secondary
school students?
Table 4.11: Mean and Rank Order Analysis of causes of premarital sex as perceived by
secondary school students?

S/N Causes of premarital sex Mean Rank Order

1 Pornography 3.50 1st
2 Drugs 3.47 2nd
3 Curiosity 3.46 3rd
4 Unmet needs 3.40 4th
5 Low self esteem 3.38 5th
6 Environment 3.37 6th
7 Change in societal values 3.36 7th
8 Peer pressure 3.29 8th
9 Lack of self-control 3.29 8th
10 Financial pressure 3.28 9th
11 Experimentation 3.25 10th
12 High libido 3.24 11th
13 Alcoholism 3.24 11th
14 Peer influence 3.21 12th
15 Modernization 3.21 12th
16 Smoking 3.15 13th
17 Financial inducements 3.14 14th
18 Poverty 3.12 15th
19 Self-gratification 3.09 16th
20 Involvement in gang activities 3.06 17th

Table 4.11 reveals some of the causes of premarital sex as perceived by secondary school
students. Pornography with a mean score of 3.50 was ranked 1st, drugs with mean score of 3.47
was ranked 2nd. curiosity with a mean score of 3.46 was ranked 3rd. unmet needs with the mean
score of 3.40 was ranked 4th. Low self-esteem with a mean score of 3.38 was ranked 5th,
environmental factor with a mean score of 3.37 was ranked 6th, change in societal values with
mean score of 3.29 was ranked 7th. Peer pressure and Lack of self-control with a mean score of
3.29 each was ranked 8th, financial pressure with a mean score of 3.28 was ranked 9 th.
Experimentation with a mean score of 3.25 was ranked 10 th, high libido and alcoholism with a
mean score of 3.24 each was ranked 11 th, peer influence and modernization with a mean score
3.21 each was ranked 12th, smoking with a mean score of 3.15 was ranked 13 th, financial
inducements with a mean score of 3.14 was ranked 14th poverty with a mean score of 3.12 was
ranked 15th, self-gratification with a mean score of 3.09 was ranked 16 th while involvement in
gang activities with a mean score of 3.06 was ranked 17th.
This result further revealed that the whole twenty (20) items had mean scores above the cut-
off point (3.0). Therefore, it can be deducted that the causes of premarital sex as expressed by
secondary school students are pornography, drugs, curiosity, unmet needs, low self-esteem,
environmental, change in societal values, financial pressure, experimentation, high libido,
alcoholism, peer influence, modernization, smoking, financial inducements, poverty, self-
gratification and involvement in gang activities.

Research Question Five: What are the consequences of premarital sex as perceived by
secondary school students?
Table 4.12: Mean and Rank Order Analysis of consequences of premarital sex as perceived by
secondary school students
S/N Consequences of premarital sex Mean Rank Order
1. Poor academic performance 3.54 1st
2. Exposure to HIV/AIDS 3.49 2nd
3. Loss of respect 3.40 3rd
4. Abortion 3.39 4th
5. Loss of life 3.31 5th
6. Exposure to other sexual transmitted infections and disease 3.30 6th
7. drop out from school 3.25 7th
8. Distractions 3.22 8th
9 Unwanted pregnancy 3.21 9th
10. Depression 3.17 10th
11. Rejection 3.17 10th
Table 4.12 reveals some of the consequences of premarital sex as perceived by secondary
school students. Poor academic performance with a mean score of 3.54 was ranked 1st, exposure
to HIV/AIDS with mean score of 3.49 was ranked 2nd. Loss of respect with a mean score of 3.40
was ranked 3rd. abortion with the mean score of 3.39 was ranked 4 th. Loss of life with a mean
score of 3.31 was ranked 5th, exposure to other sexual transmitted infection and disease with a
mean score of 3.30 was ranked 6th, drop out from school with mean score of 3.25 was ranked
7th. distractions with a mean score of 3.22 was ranked 8th, unwanted pregnancy with a mean
score of 3.21 was ranked 9th, depression and rejection with a mean score of 3.17 each was ranked
10th.
This result further revealed that the whole eleven (11) items had mean scores above the cut-
off point (3.0). Therefore, it can be deducted that the consequences of premarital sex as
expressed by secondary school students are Poor academic performance, exposure to HIV/AIDS,
Loss of respect, abortion, Loss of life, exposure to other sexual transmitted infection and disease,
drop out from school, distractions, unwanted pregnancy, depression and rejection.

Summary of Findings
From the foregoing results, the followings are the findings from this study
1. What is the prevalence of premarital sex among secondary school students?
2. Is there significant difference different in the level of engagement in premarital sex
among male and female secondary school students?
3. Is there significant difference in the level of engagement in premarital sex among
secondary school students based on age?
4. The causes of premarital sex as perceived by secondary school students are pornography,
drugs, curiosity, unmet needs, low self-esteem, environmental, change in societal values,
financial pressure, experimentation, high libido, alcoholism, peer influence,
modernization, smoking, financial inducements, poverty, self-gratification and
involvement in gang activities.
5. The consequences of premarital sex as expressed by secondary school students are Poor
academic performance, exposure to HIV/AIDS, Loss of respect, abortion, Loss of life,
exposure to other sexual transmitted infection and disease, drop out from school,
distractions, unwanted pregnancy, depression and rejection.
Research Questions
1. What is the prevalence of premarital sex among secondary school students?
2. Is there significant difference different in the level of engagement in premarital sex
among male and female secondary school students?
3. Is there significant difference in the level of engagement in premarital sex among
secondary school students based on age?
4. What are the causes of premarital sex as perceived by secondary school students?
5. What are the consequences of premarital sex as perceived by secondary school students?
 CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION,RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION
5.1 Discussion
The study reveals a high prevalence of premarital sex among secondary school students in Oye
Local Government Area, Ekiti State, Nigeria, with 59% of participants indicating high
engagement. This aligns with previous research showing increasing rates of premarital sexual
activity among Nigerian youth. The finding is concerning given the age group involved
(typically 13-18 years old) and the associated risks.
Gender differences were observed, with female students showing higher engagement in
premarital sex, contradicting some previous studies. This raises questions about changing
dynamics of gender and sexuality in Nigerian society and highlights the need for gender-specific
interventions.
Significant variations in premarital sex engagement based on age were found, emphasizing the
importance of age-appropriate sex education and interventions starting from early adolescence.
The study identified several key causes of premarital sex, including pornography, drug use,
curiosity, unmet needs, and low self-esteem. This multi-factorial picture underscores the need for
comprehensive approaches addressing individual, interpersonal, and societal factors.
Major consequences of premarital sex reported by students included poor academic performance,
HIV/AIDS exposure, loss of respect, unwanted pregnancy, and school dropout. These findings
highlight the far-reaching implications of premarital sexual activity for adolescents' health,
education, and social standing.
The study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions to address adolescent sexual
behavior. Recommendations include comprehensive sex education, substance abuse prevention,
and programs addressing psychological and social factors influencing sexual decision-making.
Early intervention and tailored approaches are crucial to promote sexual health and responsible
behavior among Nigerian youth.
5.2 Recommendations
Implement comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education in schools starting from early
adolescence, covering not just biology, but also relationships, consent, decision-making skills,
and potential consequences of sexual activity. This curriculum should be evidence-based and
regularly updated to address emerging issues such as the influence of digital media on sexual
behavior. Develop gender-specific interventions addressing unique factors influencing male and
female students' sexual behaviors, including programs empowering girls to make autonomous
decisions about their bodies and relationships, as well as initiatives engaging boys in discussions
about healthy masculinity and respect for women.
Strengthen school and community programs aimed at building self-esteem and life skills among
adolescents, focusing on developing critical thinking, decision-making, and communication
skills that can help students navigate peer pressure and make informed choices about their sexual
health. Increase awareness about the risks of pornography and implement measures to restrict
access among youth, including media literacy programs to help students critically analyze sexual
content in media, as well as technological solutions to limit access to explicit material on school
computers and networks.
Enhance substance abuse prevention programs, given the link between drug use and premarital
sex, integrating them with sexual health education to address interconnected risks. Improve
access to confidential sexual and reproductive health services for adolescents, including
contraception and STI testing/treatment, by establishing youth-friendly clinics or services within
existing health facilities. Engage parents and community leaders in efforts to address changing
societal values and provide guidance to youth on sexual matters, including parent education
programs to improve family communication about sex and sexuality.
Develop and implement policies to support pregnant students and young mothers to continue
their education, including flexible attendance policies, provision of childcare services, and
programs to combat stigma and discrimination. Strengthen enforcement of laws protecting
minors from sexual exploitation and abuse, addressing issues of transactional sex and
relationships between adolescents and older partners. Promote positive youth development
programs that provide alternatives to risky sexual behavior, such as sports, arts, and community
service activities, helping adolescents develop a sense of purpose and self-worth beyond sexual
relationships.
Invest in teacher training to ensure that educators are equipped to deliver sensitive content
related to sexual health and respond appropriately to students' questions and concerns. Develop
peer education programs to leverage the influence of peer networks in promoting healthy sexual
attitudes and behaviors among adolescents. Collaborate with religious institutions to address the
spiritual and moral dimensions of sexuality in ways that promote health and well-being rather
than shame and stigma. Utilize technology and social media platforms to disseminate accurate
sexual health information and counter misinformation that may be circulating among youth,
ensuring that young people have access to reliable resources in the digital spaces they frequent.

5.3 Conclusion
This study reveals a high prevalence of premarital sex among secondary school students in Oye
Local Government Area of Ekiti State, with significant differences based on gender and age. The
multiple causes identified, including pornography, drug use, and societal changes, highlight the
complex nature of adolescent sexual behavior. The serious consequences reported, ranging from
poor academic performance to HIV exposure and unwanted pregnancy, underscore the urgent
need for comprehensive interventions.
The findings challenge some traditional assumptions about adolescent sexuality in Nigeria,
particularly regarding gender differences in sexual behavior. The higher engagement in
premarital sex among female students calls for a reevaluation of gender-specific risk factors and
the development of targeted interventions that address the unique pressures and circumstances
faced by adolescent girls.
The age-related differences in sexual engagement highlight the importance of early intervention
and the need for age-appropriate, developmentally tailored sexual health education and services.
Waiting until late adolescence to address these issues may be too late for many students who
have already become sexually active.
The range of causes identified, from individual factors like curiosity and low self-esteem to
broader societal influences like changing cultural norms and media exposure, emphasizes the
need for multi-level interventions. Effective strategies to address premarital sex among
secondary school students will need to engage not just the students themselves, but also their
families, schools, communities, and the broader society.
The consequences of premarital sex identified in this study underscore its potential to
significantly impact students' educational outcomes, health, and future prospects. This highlights
the critical importance of not only preventing premature sexual activity but also ensuring that
sexually active adolescents have the knowledge and resources to protect their health and well-
being.
Addressing this issue will require a coordinated, multi-faceted approach involving schools,
families, health services, religious institutions, and the broader community. By implementing
targeted, evidence-based strategies that address the complex factors influencing adolescent
sexual behavior, it may be possible to reduce the prevalence of premarital sex and mitigate its
negative impacts on adolescents' health, education, and future prospects.
Ultimately, the goal should be to create an environment where adolescents are empowered to
make informed, responsible decisions about their sexual health, supported by comprehensive
education, accessible health services, and a society that recognizes and addresses the complex
realities of adolescent sexuality.
5.4 Suggestions for Further Research
Based on the findings and limitations of this study, several areas for further research are
suggested:
Conduct longitudinal studies to track changes in sexual attitudes and behaviors as students
progress through secondary school, providing insights into factors influencing sexual debut
timing and experience progression. Undertake qualitative studies using interviews and focus
groups to gain a deeper understanding of motivations, decision-making processes, and contextual
factors influencing premarital sexual behavior among secondary school students. Design and
implement rigorous evaluations of various intervention strategies aimed at reducing premarital
sex and promoting sexual health among adolescents, including randomized controlled trials of
different educational approaches or community-based interventions. Further investigate gender
differences observed in this study, exploring factors contributing to higher engagement in
premarital sex among female students, including research on gender norms, power dynamics in
relationships, and the role of transactional sex.
Conduct detailed studies on the influence of pornography, social media, and other digital
technologies on adolescent sexual attitudes and behaviors, including analysis of online behaviors
and content consumption patterns. Explore the role of family structures, parenting styles, and
community norms in shaping adolescent sexual behavior, including comparative studies across
different cultural and socioeconomic contexts within Nigeria. Investigate the relationship
between mental health factors and engagement in premarital sexual activity among adolescents.
Assess the impact of different approaches to sex education on sexual knowledge, attitudes, and
behaviors among secondary school students, comparing abstinence-only vs. comprehensive sex
education programs.
Examine barriers and facilitators to adolescents' access to sexual and reproductive health
services, including contraception and STI testing/treatment. Conduct social network analyses to
better understand the role of peer networks in shaping sexual norms and behaviors among
secondary school students. Investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status, poverty,
and engagement in premarital sexual activity, including the prevalence and dynamics of
transactional sexual relationships. Explore how different cultural and religious backgrounds
influence attitudes towards premarital sex and sexual decision-making among adolescents.
Conduct follow-up studies to assess the long-term educational, health, and socioeconomic
outcomes for students who engage in premarital sex during secondary school. Evaluate the
impact of different policy approaches to adolescent sexual health, including comparisons across
different states or countries with varying policy frameworks.
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