Abstract:

The study examined the cultural and gender factors that can affect the spread of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria and how education can help to address these factors.
The descriptive survey used primary and secondary data. A questionnaire was administered on 174 randomly selected undergraduates and workers to asses the cultural and gender factors on HIV spread and how adequate the educational system is in preventing the spread. Primary and secondary school curricula were examined for content. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics.
The results indicated some cultural factors that can enhance the spread of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria which include male dominance, acceptability of multiple female sexual partners, harmful traditional practices like body scarification and tribal marks. Identified gender factors include levirate, wife exchange for hospitality, bride price payment, traditional subordinate role of women to negotiate safe sex and female genital mutilation. The formal education was found to be inadequate in its role to provide information on the cultural and gender factors of HIV/AIDS spread.
The results were discussed with a view to encouraging Nigerian educators to provide adequate enlightenment to overcome the cultural and gender factors, and consequently lead to the prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Keywords:

education, prevention of HIV, curriculum,cultural and gender factors