The Role of Sexual Behaviour in Differences in Educational Achievement among Young Females in Nigeria

The study tests the hypothesis that sexual behavior is likely to affect differences in educational achievement among young females. The analysis in this study was based on the data on youths (15-24 years) drawn from the 2008 DHS individual recode data file (sample size=12,694). The chi-square test in the table shows that majority of the respondents who initiated sex about age 16, got married by age 18 and had their first birth by age 19, reported lower educational status than others. OLS model explains 51% of variations in educational status in terms of indicators of sexual behavior while controlling for confounding variables (age, urban residence and region). The beta coefficients indicate that sexual initiation at age 17 and above is positively associated with years of schooling. Similarly, age at first birth and marriage are positively associated with years of schooling. Ever use of modern contraceptives is also significantly positively associated with differences in educational status. It is therefore clear that to improve educational achievement of females in the country it is imperative to incorporate in education policy strategies to increase age at sexual initiation, age at first marriage and childbearing among young women.