Group Raises Fresh Opposition to Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Schools

A fresh debate over what Nigerian children should be taught about sexuality has emerged after the Centre for African Policy, Research and Advisory rejected the introduction of comprehensive sexuality education in schools.

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The organisation made its position known during a press conference in Abuja, where its Executive Director, Dr Segun Adebayo, described comprehensive sexuality education as harmful to children and called on Nigerians to oppose its adoption.

Adebayo argued that children should be protected from what the organisation considers inappropriate sexual content and values.

The group also criticised concepts associated with gender equality, sexual rights and sexual and reproductive health, claiming that such ideas could undermine traditional African moral values.

Its Legal Adviser, Sonnie Ekwowusi, urged the National Assembly and other lawmakers to resist what he described as efforts to introduce comprehensive sexuality education through legislation.

The organisation called for greater emphasis on African cultural and moral values in the upbringing and education of children.

The development has revived a long-running national and international discussion over sexuality education, particularly the question of how schools can provide young people with age-appropriate information about health, safety and personal development while respecting family, cultural and religious values.

Supporters of comprehensive sexuality education generally argue that properly designed programmes can provide young people with accurate, age-appropriate information and help them understand health, relationships, boundaries and personal safety. Research has also examined its potential role in addressing adolescent health challenges.

Opponents, however, remain concerned about the content of such programmes and the age at which particular subjects should be introduced.

The disagreement reflects a wider challenge facing policymakers and educators: finding an approach that protects children, respects cultural values and provides reliable information appropriate to their age and development.

For Nigeria, the debate is unlikely to disappear soon.

As schools, parents, policymakers and civil society groups continue discussing the issue, the central question remains how education authorities can design programmes that safeguard children while responding responsibly to the health and developmental needs of young people.

The latest intervention by CAFPRA adds another strong voice to the opposition and is likely to fuel further public discussion about the future direction of sexuality education in Nigerian schools.