Abuja: Dr Okai Haruna, the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), has called on the Federal Government to integrate Comprehensive Life-Skill and Health Education into the school curriculum to enhance awareness among students. Haruna made this appeal during the graduation ceremony of secondary school students who participated in the Comprehensive Life-Skill and Health Education Programme in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Haruna highlighted that prior to the establishment of PPFN in 1958, issues such as unplanned pregnancies, infant abandonment, poor communication, and inadequate menstrual health and hygiene were prevalent in society. He emphasized the importance of addressing these concerns through Family Planning, which has since evolved into what is now termed Reproductive Health Services (RHS).
Haruna explained that these services encompass the crucial topics being discussed and have been extended to adolescents, vulnerable groups, and Internally Displaced Persons. “We decided to focus on adolescents because they are the leaders of tomorrow. Without awareness of their bodies and how to care for them, issues like unwanted pregnancies and mortality will continue to rise,” he stated. He urged the Federal Government to incorporate Comprehensive Life-Skill and Health Education into the school curriculum, which he believes will significantly influence children’s and adolescents’ sexual reproductive health and human rights.
Haruna acknowledged that existing subjects like Biology overlap with these topics but insisted that this specialized education would provide a deeper understanding of self-care and proper upbringing. He also noted that discussing sex should not be a taboo for parents, emphasizing the need for proper education on natural processes.
PPFN’s initiative includes comprehensive counseling sessions, allowing participants to understand the benefits and risks of various health methods and encouraging open communication. Haruna mentioned that the program has been introduced in secondary schools and universities to educate young individuals about their bodies and the importance of consent.
During the ceremony, Mrs. Olabisi Otusanya, a teacher at Army Day Secondary School, Mambila Barrack, Abuja, encouraged parents to proactively engage in reproductive health discussions with their children. She stressed the importance of education beginning at home, particularly by mothers, to prepare children for the challenges of life and reproductive health.
Michael Aigbe, a student from Government Day Secondary School, Karu, advised male adolescents to support their female peers during menstruation to ensure their comfort and safety. Faith Omuah, a student from Government Secondary School, Lugbe, expressed gratitude to PPFN for educating her about body awareness and dispelling myths and misinformation. She urged her fellow female students to seek accurate information about menstruation from trustworthy sources.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that numerous public and private secondary schools from the Federal Capital Territory attended the graduation ceremony.