In 2021, a 23-year-old woman, referred to as Ruth Daniel for anonymity, faced a promising future. Excelling in her West African Senior School Certificate examinations, she aspired to become a plant scientist. However, tragedy struck when her father passed away shortly after she gained admission to study botany at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, in Southern Nigeria, clouding the clarity of her dreams.
Despite the setback of her father’s death, Ruth, the eldest of four siblings, persevered. She took on manual labor to cover her first-year tuition fees, while her mother sold many of their possessions. Yet, without adequate shelter, food, or books during her initial year, Ruth felt compelled to seek alternative income sources.
It was through a friend named Chiamaka (not her real name) that Ruth was introduced to sex work. Chiamaka, initially an acquaintance from the same department, became closer after a chance meeting at a party where they exchanged contact information. Later, Chiamaka suggested that Ruth needed to elevate her lifestyle, ultimately connecting her with affluent clients.
“My first experience was with a gentleman from the United Kingdom who paid me NGN10,000 (about US$6). I was elated as I had never received such a large sum at once,” recounted Ruth. Subsequently, she continued in the trade, earning over NGN5,000 (about US$3) per night. Despite sharing a portion of her earnings with the person who facilitated client connections, Ruth managed to save enough to cover tuition, accommodation, books, food, and send money home.
Socio-economic Landscape
Sex work among female university students across Nigeria has become an alarming phenomenon affecting the futures of young adults, contributing to increased cases of unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and substance abuse, as documented by academic studies. Termed as ‘hook-up’, this practice is increasingly facilitated online.
Given the country’s challenging economic conditions marked by rising inflation and heightened living costs, sex work among students in tertiary institutions has grown more prevalent. Some experts attribute this rise to evolving lifestyles and a modern society, while others point to societal materialism that places additional pressure on students.
A 2020 academic study surveyed 9,800 final-year female students from four tertiary institutions, including the Federal University of Technology in Imo State where Ruth studies. The research, employing a proportionate random sampling method and structured questionnaires, explored the prevalence, causes, and impacts of sex work among female undergraduates. Findings revealed that 79% of respondents acknowledged the existence of sexual promiscuity, with poverty, peer pressure, parental neglect, and freedom cited as primary contributors.
Moreover, 78% of respondents recognized the adverse effects, such as unwanted pregnancies, drug use, and sexually transmitted diseases. These findings underscored the imperative for intervention strategies to address the underlying drivers of sexual promiscuity among female university students.
Perceptions on Drivers of Sex Work
An earlier study examining perceived determinants of sex work among female students identified economic factors, peer pressure, a desire for social acceptance, fear of rejection, and inadequate parental upbringing as influencing factors.
For instance, 87.3% of 473 respondents believed that female students engaged in campus sex work typically hailed from low-income families, such as those of artisans, petty traders, and low-ranking civil servants. Additionally, 93.2% indicated that peer influence played a significant role.
According to the study, 41.9% of respondents perceived a relatively high prevalence of sex work on their campuses. When asked about motivations behind student engagement in sex work, 40% cited a pursuit of high academic grades, while 15.6% attributed it to aspirations for costly attire and gadgets like laptops and smartphones.
About 19.9% of respondents noted that prior sexual abuse could contribute to such behavior, while 6.8% mentioned a curiosity for sexual experience.
Living arrangements also proved influential, with 63.8% of respondents believing that female students living apart from their parents were more likely to participate in campus sex work. Regression analysis in the study suggested that the combined influence of parental economic background and peer pressure accounted for 13.9% of factors driving campus sex work.
Seeking Alternatives
Students turning to sex work to fund their education often face social stigma, as not all financially strained students view it as a viable solution. Sharon Akpenor (not her real name), a 300-level student at Enugu State University of Science and Technology, recounted how her former roommate, from a financially disadvantaged background, invited her to join sex work, which she declined.
“I felt uneasy living with her and frequently urged her to reconsider. She admitted feeling emotionally detached during intercourse and experiencing guilt upon receiving money, yet relieved to meet her financial obligations, particularly for her studies.
“I encouraged her to stop. Despite her family’s financial struggles, I didn’t consider it a valid excuse. She used her earnings to cover tuition and other school expenses.”
Akpenor noted her roommate typically earned between NGN20,000 to NGN30,000 per day. Emphatically, Akpenor asserted her aversion to sex work, determined to find alternative means to support herself financially.
Materialism Appeal
Anecdotal accounts from other students highlight the allure of materialism as a driving force behind their decision to engage in sex work.
Felicia Jinadu (not her real name), a student at the Federal University of Technology, Imo State, shared her experience. Despite coming from a middle-class family that provided for her needs, she unexpectedly entered sex work due to peer pressure during an off-campus gathering organized by her roommate. Intoxicated by her friends, she was introduced to a wealthy man.
“I was unaware of my friends’ activities until that party. I woke up the next morning with the man they arranged for me, who gave me US$500. My friend assured me that frequenting clubs with them would yield greater earnings,” Jinadu recounted to University World News.
Since then, she has continued in sex work, which has diverted her attention from her academic pursuits. “My parents cover my tuition costs, while the money I earn is spent on clothing, jewelry, and other luxuries. They remain unaware at home. I hope to change my ways soon,” she added.
Family Emphasis
Dr. Auwal Halilu, state coordinator for the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All, acknowledged the country’s economic challenges as a significant factor influencing current trends. However, Halilu emphasized that peer pressure and aspirations for a lavish lifestyle also play pivotal roles.
“Students require money for food, assignments, internet access, and transportation, especially if they live away from home. In instances where families cannot fully support them, some may turn to sex work. The societal fixation on wealth exacerbates this issue, as students witness peers flaunting affluence and feel compelled to keep pace,” Halilu commented to University World News.
Halilu advocated for greater financial and moral support from families, alongside increased government assistance for tertiary institutions and students, particularly women. He cited initiatives like the indigent scholarship at Bayero University, which aids financially disadvantaged students with tuition fees, as exemplary measures.
“Education is a shared responsibility,” Halilu asserted, advocating for contributions from parents, the government, society, and philanthropists to bolster student support networks.
Halilu stressed the necessity of raising awareness about the hazards of sex work, underscoring the role of religious and community leaders, school administrators, and student unions in educating students on alternatives. He proposed that implementing uniforms in higher education institutions could alleviate competition and pressures related to fashion and lifestyle.
Ultimately, Halilu upheld the family as the cornerstone of society. “If every family assumes responsibility for their children’s upbringing, society as a whole stands to benefit,” he concluded.
Sex education expert and counselor Praise Fowowe drew connections between a propensity towards sex work and prior instances of sexual abuse. Fowowe, who has counseled over 300 sex workers, noted that many of these women experienced abuse from family members or trusted figures during their formative years. He argued that, rather than solely financial need, other profound struggles often drive individuals towards sex work.
Similar to Halilu, Fowowe underscored the pivotal role of parents in preventing such outcomes. He emphasized the importance of parental presence and fostering healthy self-esteem in children. Fowowe highlighted instances where low-income families successfully raised children who abstained from sex work, suggesting that while poverty may contribute, it alone does not determine outcomes.
