ABSTRACT
Commercial sex work among undergraduate students, particularly within the context of the University of Benin, represents a complex and multifaceted issue with profound implications for the educational, psychological, social, and health well-being of those involved. This study explored the challenges of commercial sex work among undergraduate students of the University of Benin. The study specifically determined the reasons for sex work among University of Benin female undergraduates students; found out the socio-economic factors that influences female undergraduate students to engage in commercial sex work in the University of Benin; examined the effects of commercial sex work on female undergraduate students of University of Benin and also suggested the ways of coping with the problem of commercial sex work among University of Benin female undergraduates students. The study utilized the cross-sectional survey research design because the respondents were from different economic background. The population of the study comprised of students of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The sample size of the study was 120 research participants. The study utilized the semi-structured questionnaire as the instrument of data collection. The study also utilized the quantitative method of data collection. The results of the study were analyzed with the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (23.0) programme and they were presented using tables and charts. The result of the study showed that health risks, including exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and violence, compound their vulnerability. Limited access to healthcare services further exacerbates these concerns. Economically, while some students turn to sex work to meet immediate financial needs, it often results in a cycle of economic vulnerability, posing challenges for long-term financial stability. Despite these challenges, the result also shows that students engaged in sex work as a means of survival, given financial pressures and the need to cover educational expenses. Therefore recognizing and addressing the multifaceted challenges of commercial sex work among undergraduate students at the University of Benin is of paramount importance. The study therefore recommended that effective interventions and support systems, including counseling services, awareness campaigns, dedicated hotlines, and alternative income opportunities, are essential to assist affected students in pursuing their education while mitigating the negative consequences of sex work. Keywords: Community, Commercial sex work, Counseling, Sexually transmitted diseases
