Sexuality is a fundamental aspect of human life, yet it remains an area often shrouded in ignorance and misconceptions. This is particularly true in contexts where sex education is taboo, such as in Nigeria. Despite the significant role sex plays in our lives, parents, elders, and teachers in India seldom provide scientific knowledge on the subject, leaving adolescents to rely on unreliable sources like friends and cheap literature (Olabanjo et al., 2022; Faleke et al., 2023; Ayeleru et al., 2023). The necessity for sexuality education in schools is increasingly recognized globally, though it faces resistance due to socio-cultural, religious, and political factors. The World Health Organization (WHO) includes sexual health as a core aspect of its global reproductive health strategy, emphasizing its importance in overall well-being (Emenike et al., 2023). Sexuality encompasses various dimensions, including sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and reproductive health, influenced by a range of biological, psychological, and social factors (Ayanwale et al., 2023; Janes et al., 2023). In Nigeria, discussing sex is culturally taboo, and adolescents are often denied access to sexual health information, increasing their vulnerability to early sexual activity, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies. Efforts to introduce sexuality education in Nigerian schools have been met with mixed reactions, particularly from religious leaders and parents in Northern Nigeria, who perceive it as a threat to cultural values (Umwangange et al., 2023). Despite this, several studies validate the need for sex education to mitigate the risks associated with adolescent sexual behavior. The lack of open discussion and reliable information leads to misconceptions and myths that can have lifelong consequences for adolescents. Research indicates that conservative maternal attitudes can delay sexual activity, but only a minority of adolescents receive adequate sex education from parents or teachers (Aboh, 2023; Olutayo & Aderemi, 2023). This study aims to explore the influence of family background on students’ attitudes towards sex education in Nigerian schools, examining adolescent knowledge, the effects of sex education, associated risks, and attitudes towards these programs. The findings will provide insights into how best to implement effective sex education that aligns with cultural values while addressing the critical need for accurate sexual health information.