ABSTRACT
This study examined the attitude of health education students towards the teaching of health education in Secondary Schools. In examining this work, research questions were drawn. Relevant issues were examined and discussed.
The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study and the study population consisted of 444 health education students in University of Benin. A sample size of 150 respondents were selected using simple random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a well-designed structured questionnaire which was validated by the project Supervisor and two other lecturers from the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental education. The split half method was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. Collated data was analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequency and percentage tables.
The findings revealed that the importance of teaching health education in secondary schools cannot be overemphasized as the following can be achieved with effective health education; Promotes healthy behavior, disease prevention, sexual education, substance abuse Prevention, safety awareness, Provides knowledge about balanced diets, portion control, and food choices, reducing the risk of obesity and related health issues, imparts life skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking, which are essential for making informed health choices throughout life. Hence health education in Nigerian schools should be given priority and taught all levels.
