Health professionals, academics, and reproductive health experts have urged Nigerian governments at all levels to make comprehensive information on sexual and reproductive health readily available to adolescents as a strategy to combat unwanted pregnancies.
The call was made on Tuesday during a health week seminar organized by Premier College of Health Technology in Ibadan, Oyo State, which was attended by Dr. Adeniji Olanrewaju, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Kehinde Akintunde Ayinde.
Dr. Funmilola OlaOlorun, a Consultant Public Health Physician at the University of Ibadan and guest lecturer at the event, described adolescence as "one of the most challenging periods" in human development. She emphasized that advocacy and resource mobilization are crucial in addressing the challenges facing Nigerian adolescents.
During a panel discussion titled "Challenges and Solutions to Adolescents' Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues," experts highlighted several recommendations for improving adolescent health outcomes:
"The government should involve youths in programmes that affect them. We need to ensure formulation of policies to address these problems. Then beyond that, we need to ensure implementation of the existing policies and enforcement," the panel collectively advised.
The panel featured prominent experts including Dr. Abimbola Afolabi from the Department of Social Work at the University of Ibadan; Morounfolu Okunfulure, Technical Director of Reproductive Health at the Association for Reproductive and Family Health; and Adebunmi Adesope, Regional Clinic Officer of Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria.
Other panelists included representatives from MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices, Great Insurance Nigeria, and a student from the host institution.
The experts specifically called for mental health and psychosocial support for adolescents while urging parents to engage in open conversations with their children about sexual health. They also advised health professionals against judging adolescents who seek information.
"Parents should be ready to face realities. We should not run away from these children. Let us have open conversations with our children," the experts emphasized.
A key recommendation from the panel was for the Ministry of Education to make reproductive and sexual education a compulsory subject in schools, while also ensuring that health services for adolescents are youth-friendly.
Dr. Kayode Afolabi, Provost of Premier College of Health Technology, highlighted the significance of the program in his welcome address, noting that adolescents' health plays a crucial role in shaping society's future.
"In Nigeria, adolescents and youth make up a significant portion of the population. A report from the United Nations General Assembly states that approximately 32% of Nigerians are aged 10–24, which can be considered adolescents and youth," Dr. Afolabi stated.
The week-long health event aims to create awareness about adolescent health issues and promote better policies and practices to support young Nigerians' reproductive health needs.
