One thousand students of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), have benefited from a health summit to break the silence on sexual and reproductive health, while promoting intimate wellness and healthcare.
The summit: “Intimate Wellness: Nurturing Love, Pleasure, and Health”, was organised by HACEY Health Initiative’s SRHR Champions, with FUOYE Student Union Government (FUOYESUG).
The event was a platform for students to engage in topics often considered sensitive or taboo; relationships, hygiene, consent, safe sex, and self-care.
Welfare Director of FUOYESUG, Owolabi Aduragbemi, said students would get tips on responsible decision-making and healthy living.
“We want to build a generation that is confident, informed, and responsible. Many can’t access information on hygiene and sexual health.
Through consultations and health screenings, we are changing that narrative,” she said.
Free screenings, covering blood pressure, HIV, STIs, and Hepatitis B were conducted by licensed medical personnel.
Organisers said the initiative was tailored to bridge the gap in access to non-judgmental, youth-friendly healthcare.
HACEY Programme Officer, Tolulope Adewemimo, who led one of the sessions, highlighted the role of self-care in building self-esteem.
“Self-care is the foundation of hygiene and confidence. When we take time to nurture ourselves, we strengthen our self-esteem and overall well-being,” she said.
Interactive workshops and expert-led discussions encouraged students to challenge common myths surrounding sexual health.
Many participants shared how the programme helped them understand the links between accurate information, personal responsibility, and respectful relationships.
A key theme throughout the summit was the impact of cultural and social misconceptions. Medical sociologists at the event noted that many young people in rural and urban settings continue to receive inaccurate information about sex and reproductive health, exposing them to unnecessary risks.
Participants also received educational materials and were invited to join a peer-led network to continue conversations and drive change beyond the summit.
Organisers say the event is part of a broader campaign to strengthen youth health programming through inclusive, student-focused initiatives.
They expressed optimism that with sustained efforts, more campuses across the country can adopt similar models to promote a healthier, better-informed generation.
“This summit gave us a voice,” said one attendee. “We now know it’s okay to ask questions and take our health seriously.”
