Ibadan Journal of the Social Sciences
Volume 6, No. 2, 2008
Pages 86-103
DOI: 10.36108/ijss/8002.60.0210
Nigeria’s Institutions of Higher Learning and the HIV/AIDS Epidemic
Olayiwola A. Erinosho
Department of Sociology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-lwoye, Ogun State
Marietu Tenuche
Department of Political Science, Kogi State University, Aruyangba, Kogi State
Abstract
This study is about the response of Nigeria’s institutions of higher leaning to HIV/AIDS. Data were collected from the 132 institutions and 7505 staff and students in eleven randomly selected institutions spread over the six geopolitical zones into which Nigeria is administratively sub-divided. There is evidence that less than two-thirds of the institutions responded to the epidemic without formal policy. About three developed control policy while a few more were implementing control programmes. The institutions are generally bereft of voluntary counselling and testing as well as anti-.retroviral treatment. Despite heightened awareness on the disease, high risk sexual behaviour is still rife judging by the number of respondents that acknowledge sex with multiple partners. Overall, the outcomes of the study underscore the need for HIV/AIDS control policy and activities in order to check the spread of the disease.