Tertiary institution learners’ HIV/AIDS sensitization tool(s) receptivity: Implications for sustainable democracy in Nigeria

Abstract

This is a multi-phased study that addresses the issue of tertiary institution based programme for awareness 
creation in order to integrate HIV/AIDS issues and concerns into social relationships. The purpose of the 
study was to develop simple communication tool combinations and ascertain through sensitization the 
potency of the tools to increase HIV/AIDS pandemic awareness among students in Nigerian tertiary 
institutions of learning. Ten tools were administered and later categorized for same purpose on 100 and 200 
level students of two Universities and two Colleges within Lagos metropolis. Each of the items in the 
questionnaire is biased, with such democratic principles of inclusion, equity and justice. Data were analysed 
and descriptive statistics used to reveal the quality of each tool as well as to predict their control potency 
over students’ sexual behaviour and social cohabitation. Among the study findings are that the respondents 
have, at 25%, a limited knowledge of HIV/AIDS awareness; and 25% were indifferent to awareness 
programmes due to religious practices and belief, among others. It was recommended that institutions of higher learning should create a centre for HIV/AIDS sensitization and control which will adopt these 
sensitization tools and integrate them into general courses and relevant campaign procedures.