Project – The influence of family ethics on Lagos State undergraduate students exposure to premarital sex.

CHAPTER ONE:

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Family is universally acknowledged as the bedrock of every society and the primary socializing agent that shapes individuals’ attitudes, beliefs, and behavior. It is within the family that children first learn moral values, social expectations, religious beliefs, and behavioral boundaries. In Nigeria, family structures vary in terms of form and function, yet their role in shaping young people’s conduct remains consistent across cultures and ethnic groups (Oladipo, 2014). The family acts as the first institution to instill ethical values that influence how individuals interact with the world, including their understanding of sexuality and personal boundaries.

In recent decades, family ethics—defined as the moral principles and behavioral expectations upheld within the household—have been identified as crucial in influencing the sexual behaviors of adolescents and young adults. These ethics include parental supervision, moral discipline, religious orientation, open communication, and role modeling by caregivers (Asonibare & Olaleye, 2016). When these elements are firmly established, they act as protective factors against social vices, including early sexual experimentation. Conversely, the absence or weakness of such ethical values within families can increase vulnerability to peer pressure, risky behaviors, and moral confusion, particularly during adolescence.

Premarital sex, typically understood as consensual sexual activity between unmarried individuals, has emerged as a pressing concern among university students in Nigeria. The growing incidence of premarital sex in tertiary institutions is attributed to several factors, including media influence, peer pressure, economic challenges, declining parental guidance, and shifting societal norms (Nwokocha, 2018). In Lagos, an urban and highly liberal environment, students are regularly exposed to a mixture of traditional values and modern ideologies that promote sexual independence. This exposure can conflict with family-taught morals, particularly in cases where such morals are not strongly reinforced or clearly communicated.

The influence of family ethics on sexual behavior becomes especially critical as students transition from adolescence to early adulthood in university settings. At this stage, many students experience increased autonomy, reduced parental supervision, and a desire for social acceptance, which can lead to experimentation and engagement in premarital sex. However, strong family grounding can serve as a buffer against these pressures. Research has shown that young people raised in families where parents communicate openly about sex, provide moral guidance, and set clear expectations are significantly less likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors (Owuamanam & Osinowo, 2017).

On the other hand, families characterized by dysfunction, broken communication, absence of religious or moral instruction, and minimal parental involvement often create environments where young people are left to make uninformed or impulsive decisions about sex. Fawole, Asuzu, and Oduntan (2004) found that students from such family backgrounds are more susceptible to peer influence and are more likely to engage in unprotected sex, have multiple sexual partners, or participate in transactional sex. These behaviors expose them to health risks such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancies, and emotional trauma.

Lagos State University (LASU), as a microcosm of Lagos society, represents a diverse student population with varying family backgrounds, ethical orientations, and exposure to urban influences. Its location in a highly cosmopolitan environment makes it an ideal setting to study the impact of family ethics on students’ sexual behavior. This study seeks to explore how the ethical values instilled by families influence students’ exposure to premarital sex. Understanding this relationship is critical for developing effective sexual education programs, promoting healthy behaviors, and supporting family-centered interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of risky sexual activity among Nigerian undergraduates.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite growing efforts by governmental and non-governmental organizations to promote reproductive health awareness and moral education through school programs, religious institutions, and media campaigns, premarital sex remains a persistent issue among Nigerian undergraduate students. The consequences of these sexual behaviors extend beyond the individual to society at large, manifesting in rising cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and psychological distress (Okonkwo, 2015). This situation indicates that the current efforts to curb premarital sexual activity may not be addressing the root causes, particularly the role of family background and upbringing.

The increasing prevalence of premarital sex among students suggests that young people are navigating their sexual lives with inadequate guidance and support, especially from the family unit. There is a growing body of concern that the weakening of traditional family values, erosion of cultural norms, lack of effective communication on sexuality, and diminished parental supervision are all contributing to students’ vulnerability to engage in early and risky sexual practices. As families become more fragmented due to economic pressures, urbanization, and exposure to global ideologies, the capacity of parents to instill strong moral discipline in their children appears to be diminishing, particularly in a fast-paced urban environment like Lagos.

Urban settings such as Lagos pose unique challenges to moral development. Students in metropolitan areas often experience more freedom and less supervision, and are also more exposed to liberal social norms that normalize premarital sex. The influence of social media, peer groups, and youth culture in urban centers can sometimes contradict or overpower whatever ethical standards were learned at home. As such, students who do not have a solid ethical foundation from their families may find themselves making decisions based on external pressure rather than internalized values. This dynamic raises critical questions about the protective role—or lack thereof—that family ethics play in the lives of university students.

Lagos State University (LASU) is located in one of Nigeria’s most diverse and socially active cities, making it a valuable case for exploring this issue. However, there remains a significant gap in empirical research specifically examining the connection between family ethical structures and the sexual behaviors of undergraduates at LASU. While general studies have acknowledged the importance of parental influence on adolescent behavior, very few have investigated the nuanced ways in which family ethics—such as religious orientation, communication style, disciplinary methods, and parental involvement—either promote or deter students from engaging in premarital sex within this particular context.

This research seeks to address that gap by examining the extent to which family ethics influence exposure to premarital sex among undergraduate students in LASU. The findings from this study are expected to offer deeper insight into how early moral development, rooted in family values, continues to affect the sexual decisions of young adults, even in the face of modern social trends. Identifying these influences is vital for designing holistic interventions that go beyond individual behavior and address the family-based ethical foundations that shape youth sexuality.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The general objective of this study is to examine the influence of family ethics on undergraduate students’ exposure to premarital sex in Lagos State University, Ojo.

The specific objectives are:

1. To identify the family ethical values prevalent among undergraduate students of Lagos State University.
2. To examine the level of exposure to premarital sex among the students.
3. To investigate the relationship between family ethical values and students’ exposure to premarital sex.
4. To determine the extent to which parental involvement and communication influence students’ sexual behavior.

1.4 Research Questions

The study seeks to answer the following research questions:

1. What family ethical values are commonly upheld by undergraduates in Lagos State University?
2. What is the level of exposure to premarital sex among the students?
3. How does the nature of family ethics influence students’ decisions regarding premarital sex?
4. To what extent does parental involvement affect students’ likelihood of engaging in premarital sex?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following hypothesis will be tested in this study:

H₀: There is no significant relationship between family ethics and undergraduate students’ exposure to premarital sex in Lagos State University.

H₁: There is a significant relationship between family ethics and undergraduate students’ exposure to premarital sex in Lagos State University.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study holds significant value as it adds to the growing body of academic literature focused on adolescent and young adult sexual behavior within the Nigerian context. While numerous studies have examined premarital sex among undergraduates, fewer have emphasized the foundational influence of family ethics in shaping students’ sexual decisions. By specifically analyzing how family morals, values, and parental involvement relate to premarital sexual exposure, this research bridges a critical knowledge gap and offers a fresh perspective on behavioral development among university students.

Secondly, the study provides meaningful insights for parents, guardians, and caregivers. In a time when youth are increasingly influenced by social media, peers, and societal liberalization, many parents may underestimate their enduring role in shaping their children’s ethical and sexual behavior. This research underscores the importance of strong moral upbringing, consistent communication, emotional support, and active parental engagement. It will serve as a wake-up call for parents to reclaim their responsibility as primary moral educators and role models in the lives of their children.

Moreover, the study has practical implications for school administrators, educators, and counselors, particularly those involved in student welfare and guidance services. Understanding how students’ family backgrounds impact their behavior can inform the development of more holistic student support systems that take into account not just academic and psychological factors but also ethical and familial ones. By acknowledging the role of family values, schools and universities can partner with parents to reinforce positive behaviors both at home and in school settings.

In addition, policymakers and curriculum developers stand to benefit from the study’s findings. It provides empirical evidence that can support the integration of family-based perspectives into national sexuality education policies. While many sexuality education programs currently emphasize biological aspects of reproductive health, this study advocates for a more value-driven, family-inclusive approach that reflects the cultural and moral realities of Nigerian society. This can lead to more culturally relevant and effective educational interventions.

The study is also relevant for religious and community leaders who serve as key influencers in moral and ethical discussions within society. Given that many families in Nigeria look to religious institutions for guidance on parenting and values, the research findings can be used to design programs and sermons that support families in cultivating strong moral values and open dialogue with their children on sensitive topics like sexuality. This can reinforce family ethics as a collective societal responsibility rather than a private issue.

Finally, the study will be a valuable resource for future researchers and students interested in family dynamics, youth behavior, sexuality education, and public health. By providing a case study of Lagos State University within the unique cultural and urban context of Lagos, the research offers a foundation for comparative studies across other universities or regions. It may also stimulate further interdisciplinary research involving sociology, education, psychology, and public health aimed at developing more effective strategies to address sexual risk behavior among Nigerian youth.

1.7 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This research focuses exclusively on undergraduate students of Lagos State University, Ojo campus. The study is limited to evaluating how students’ family background, particularly ethical orientation, religious influence, and parental supervision, affects their exposure to premarital sex. Other variables such as socio-economic status, peer influence, and media exposure will not be the primary focus of this study, though their indirect effects may be acknowledged where relevant.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Family Ethics: Family ethics refer to the set of moral values, behavioral norms, and guiding principles that are taught, reinforced, and modeled within the family unit. These ethics serve as the foundation for character development and influence a child’s worldview, including their understanding of right and wrong, social responsibility, and interpersonal relationships. Specifically, in relation to this study, family ethics encompass the family’s stance on issues such as sexual behavior, discipline, honesty, respect, and religious practices. The way these values are communicated—whether through active teaching, modeling by parents, or religious and cultural traditions—can significantly impact the decisions children make as they grow into adulthood, including their attitudes toward premarital sex.

Premarital Sex: Premarital sex refers to voluntary sexual intercourse between individuals who are not legally or traditionally married to each other. In the context of this research, the term is used to describe sexual activity among undergraduate students that occurs outside the bounds of marriage. While premarital sex may be viewed differently across cultures and religions, in many African societies, including Nigeria, it is often discouraged or considered morally inappropriate. The study explores how students’ family backgrounds and ethical upbringing influence their engagement in, or resistance to, such behavior.

Exposure: Exposure in this study refers to the degree or extent to which an individual is aware of, comes into contact with, engages in, or is influenced by premarital sexual behavior. This may include exposure through personal experiences, peer influence, media content, social environments, or academic settings. It also includes indirect exposure, such as conversations, observations, or the normalization of premarital sex in one’s immediate environment. The term helps capture both the passive and active ways through which undergraduates might be affected by or involved in premarital sex.

Parental Involvement: Parental involvement is defined as the active participation of parents in the moral, educational, emotional, and social development of their children. It includes monitoring behaviors, setting boundaries, engaging in open communication, offering emotional support, and modeling desired values. In the context of this research, parental involvement plays a pivotal role in transmitting family ethics and in guiding children’s choices about sexuality. A high level of parental involvement has been associated with reduced risk-taking behavior, while its absence can leave children vulnerable to negative influences.

Undergraduate Students: Undergraduate students are individuals enrolled in a first-degree program at a university or equivalent institution of higher learning. These students typically range in age from late teens to mid-twenties and are at a developmental stage characterized by increased independence, identity formation, and exposure to diverse worldviews. Within the framework of this study, undergraduate students at Lagos State University (LASU) represent the target population whose sexual behaviors are being analyzed in relation to their family upbringing and ethical values.

Project – The influence of family ethics on Lagos State undergraduate students exposure to premarital sex.