International Journal of Science and Technology Education Research Vol. 2(4), pp. 62 - 66, April 2011 Available online http://www.academicjournals.org/IJSTER ISSN 2141-6559 ©2011 Academic Journals Full Length Research Paper The integration of sexuality education in secondary school Biology curriculum for sustainable development: Teachers perception Iwu R. U.*, Onoja A. I., Ijioma B. C., Ngumah M. O. and Egeruoh A. S. Department of Biology, Alvan Ikoku Federal Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Accepted 7 April, 2011 The full participation and integration of adolescent boys and girls in secondary schools require proper management of their sexual and reproductive lives. This can be achieved through education, which remains virtually the only vaccine currently available for warding off risks of sexual infection. Three research questions guided the formulation of 30 item questionnaire. One hundred and two teachers from Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe educational zones of Imo state formed the sample population. The data generated was analyzed using percentage. Research findings support an association between high knowledge and positive attitude to sexuality education. 58.6% had adequate knowledge of the subject matter. However, 55.8% were willing to teach sexuality education while 37.2 and 24.5% indicated that, the possible barrier to the integration of sexuality education into the curriculum were parents and religious leaders respectively. The study recommends that, parents be sensitized on the benefits of sexuality education likewise religious leaders and curriculum planners should prepare a quality and comprehensive programme on sexuality education at the secondary school level. Key words: Sexuality, education, integration, curriculum. INTRODUCTION About 50% of the world’s population is under the age of 20 years and are at the highest risk of sexual and reproductive health problem; thus making sexuality the root of most sexual and reproductive health problems (Briggs, 1999). According to National Aids and STD Control Program (1996), 63% of all new HIV infections in Nigeria are among youths within 15 to 24 years and abortion is one of the consequences of insufficient information about HIV. The increasing population of adolescents in our society with inadequate information of sex education is witnessing an unprecedented “wound” in traditional rules and norms and behavioural controls, (Jinadu and odesammi 1993). The outcome is rampant rape, unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), Human Immuno Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and increasing number of multiple sexual partners *Corresponding author. E-mail: rosykachi@yahoo.com. Tel: 08066063128. (CDC, 2007). Sex education is a broad term used to describe education about human sexual anatomy, sexual reproduction, sexual intercourse, reproductive health, emotional relations, reproductive rights and responsibilities, abstinence, contraception and other aspects of human sexual behaviour. Common avenues for sex education are parents or caregivers, school programs, and public health campaigns (The Guardian, 11 May, 2004). Sex education may also be described as sexuality education which means that, it encompasses education about all aspects of sexuality including information about family planning, reproduction, body image, sexual orientation, sexual pleasure, values, decision making, communication, dating, relationships, sexually transmitted infections and how to avoid them, and birth control methods (Collins, 2008). Sexuality education may be taught informally and formally. The informal means include receiving information through conversation with parents, friends, religious leaders or the media. It could also be delivered through self–help authors, sex columnists or through sex education website. Formal sex