IMPACT OF SEX EDUCATION ON REDUCING UNPROTECTED INTERCOURSE AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN COUNCIL, BORNO STATE

The study assessed the impact of sex education on reducing unprotected intercourse among adolescents in secondary schools in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State. Four objectives and four research questions were formulated for the study. The study adopted survey design. The target population of the study consists of all adolescents in Secondary Schools in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State. A sample of 100 respondents (adolescent) were selected through stratified random sampling techniques. The data collected were analyzed using frequency counts and its equivalent percentage scores to describe the demographic information of the respondents and to answer research questions and were presented in a tabular form for discussion. The findings revealed that sex education is moderately integrated into school curricula, with 76.5% of respondents confirming that they had received some form of sex education. Similarly, 79.6% demonstrated an understanding of its meaning, highlighting that the program is effective in instilling foundational knowledge. The study further revealed a high level of awareness regarding sexual and reproductive health. For instance, 77.6% of students were knowledgeable about the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), while 82.6% understood the risks associated with unprotected sexual activity. Despite this, only 49% had participated in structured sex education programs beyond the formal curriculum, indicating a limited depth of engagement. The study also highlighted barriers to effective delivery. Based on the findings of the study it is recommended that government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, should make sex education a compulsory component of the secondary school curriculum. This will ensure uniform exposure and minimize the knowledge gaps currently observed among students.