CAMPUS LIFE AND ADOLESCENTS SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG STUDENTS OF ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIVERSITY

This study examined the influence of campus life on adolescents’ sexual behaviour among students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. The objectives of this study were to identify the prevalent sexual behaviours among undergraduates, assess the impact of campus life—including peer influence, media exposure, and hostel life—on sexual choices, examine the socioeconomic and psychological factors contributing to risky sexual behaviours, and explore students’ access to sexual health information and services. The study made use of a quantitative method through structured questionnaires administered to 120 respondents across various faculties of Adekunle Ajasin University. The quantitative data collected from the study were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that 68% of the respondents reported being in romantic relationships, 61% admitted that multiple sexual partners were common among students, and 70% agreed that condom use among undergraduates was irregular. Additionally, 74% of the respondents agreed that freedom from parental control increased sexual activity on campus, while 80% indicated that peer pressure and hostel life contributed significantly to risky sexual practices. The study also revealed that 82% of the respondents believed financial hardship encouraged transactional sex, and 90% agreed that lack of parental guidance influenced unsafe sexual behaviours. Furthermore, 87% of the respondents reported poor access to sexual and reproductive health services on campus. The hypothesis testing confirmed that there is strong evidence to suggest that campus life significantly influences adolescents’ sexual behaviour among students of Adekunle Ajasin University (p-value < 0.05). Based on the findings, the study recommends that the university management should intensify awareness campaigns on sexual and reproductive health, establish functional peer education programmes, and provide youth-friendly health services within the campus. Parents should improve communication with their wards to guide them despite the distance created by university life, and government agencies should support universities in promoting effective sexual health education and services.