Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday urged the state executive arm of government to introduce sex education into school academic curriculum as a way of curbing rape, sexual abuse and molestation in the state.
The lawmaker representing Ogbomoso North state constituency, Honourable Olawumi Bimbo Oladeji stated this while presenting a motion titled: “Crucial Need To Introduce Compulsory Sex Education Into School Curriculum From Childhood”.
Hon. Oladeji explained that sex related vices like rape, sexual assault and sexual molestation have became prevalent in the state.
She said lack of sexual education makes sexual offences prevalent among young boys and girls in primary and secondary schools.
The only female lawmaker in the state House of Assembly stated that introducing sex education to school curriculum will go a long way to help students get necessary knowledge on sex right before they become adults.
She expressed concerns that the mysterious myths woven around sex are responsible for rampant sexual violence due to their curiosity and urge for experimentation of new things.
She however, urged the state government through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the state ministry of education to as a matter of urgency inculcate sex education into school academic curriculum.
Corroborating Oladeji’s position, the minority leader of the house, Rt. Honorable Ashimiyu Alarape maintained that effective implementation of existing laws on sexual abuses and harassments would go a long way in curbing the menace.
Alarape urged parents, especially mothers, to make themselves available to their female children in heart to heart talks on sex and sexual education.
Other lawmakers commended the mover of the motion for her courage to always voice out against rape, sexual abuse and other sexual offences in the legislative chambers, while some others urged government and private media organizations to design programmes that will promote sex education among young children especially the girl child.
In his contribution shortly before passing the motion, the Speaker of the House, Adebo Ogundoyin, charged parents to change their orientation towards teaching their children sex education.
