GROWING CONCERN ABOUT CO-HABITATION AMONG STUDENTS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN CALABAR
Abigail OKANJE
Co-habitation, which is the act of living together and engaging in sexual relationships without marriage has become a pervasive and growing trend among university students in Calabar, particularly those residing off campus. In Calabar, a city grappling with the rising cost of living and growing students population, cohabitation among students has become a prevalent trend raising questions about its impacts on academic performance, social dynamics, and the broader cultural landscape.
A student (names withheld) of the University of Calabar, shared her thoughts on the issue and how normal and comfortable, living together with her boyfriend off campus is for her. "Living together before marriage, is practical and fun especially, with the high cost of living. Life as a student, can be very difficult, stressful and demanding. Consequently, living together will help reduce your expenses. As a couple, you can split the cost of utilities, groceries and other household expenses which can help to ease financial strain. For me, I think living together is the best. It is not just about the money. It is about spending time together and having a more stable living environment.”
While some see it as a modern and practical choice, others raise concern for relationships and future family structures. A mother and business owner in Calabar, Mrs. Irene Asuquo, expressed her concern over the situation. “I worry about the message it sends to their future children. Most of these students who live together are ignorant and do not understand the value of commitment and marriage. Most times, I blame the parents for not administering proper home training to their children. I am a mother of three and I believe in marriage before living together. As a student, cost of living should not be an excuse " she concluded.
A student at the College of Nursing Science, Calabar, Felicia Ogar, also shared her opinion. “I currently live with my parents and I go to school from home. Most times, it is hard to blame my fellow students who practice cohabitation due to compatibility reasons and lack of understanding between the students of the same gender, especially the females. Girls, find it difficult to understand each other and we tend to fight over little things that are not even necessary".
Cohabitation on campus is a complex issue amongst students in tertiary institutions. Issues, such as financial constraints, lack of on-campus accommodation and societal pressures, contribute to it. While it may offer practical and financial benefits, it is important for students to consider the social and legal implications such as unwanted pregnancies, sexual abuse, sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s), academic difficulties and healbenefits.
As the trend continues the debate over cohabitation and its impact on relationships and families would likely intensify.
OKANJE is a final year student at the Department of Mass Communication, University of Calabar. She is on an industrial attachment with THE BEAGLE NEWS.
