ABSTRACT

This study investigated the notions of sexuality and dating experiences among University of Uyo undergraduates. Taking into account the perverse manifestations of the sexual life of students and the potential consequences of the sprouting dating culture on campus, the study attempted finding answers to impending dating and sexuality questions by adopting both the qualitative and quantitative research techniques. The study was guided by four research objectives: to investigate the views of students on sexuality; to examine their dating experiences; to examine the dating patterns prevalent among university undergraduates and to examine the socio-cultural factors influencing dating relationship among students. Using three research instruments, the questionnaire, in-depth interview and focus group discussion, the study collected data from 219 respondents in three campuses of the University cutting across 12 faculties. Findings revealed that the experiences of students in dating relationships are two-fold: healthy experiences and unhealthy experiences. For example, healthy experiences could be in the form of mutual benefits from one’s dating partner while unhealthy experiences could take the form of abuse and exploitation. It also revealed that the dating patterns among students are diverse, varying from on-campus dating, off-campus dating, dating between students and staff of the university as well as multiple concurrent dating relationship. The study recommended that adequate sexuality education and counseling of students before they begin dating will be a critical step towards enacting social engineering.