Psychosocial Effects of Teenage Pregnancy on Female Students in Selected Secondary Schools in Abeokuta, Ogun State

Teenage pregnancy continues to pose significant psychosocial and academic challenges for female students in Nigerian secondary schools, often resulting in school dropout, social stigmatisation, and compromised mental health outcomes. This study examined the psychosocial effects of teenage pregnancy on female students in selected secondary schools in Abeokuta, Ogun State, South West Nigeria. A descriptive case study approach was adopted, with 60 currently enrolled or recently re-enrolled pregnant and post-partum students participating, along with 25 school counsellors as key informants. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Qualitative data were analysed thematically, while quantitative data were analysed using frequency distributions and means. Findings revealed that pregnant students experienced severe social stigmatisation from peers, emotional withdrawal, depression, and reduced academic motivation. Many students who returned after delivery reported ongoing academic difficulties linked to childcare responsibilities and financial strain. Counsellors acknowledged feeling unprepared to provide comprehensive psychosocial support for this population. The study recommended the development of a specialised counselling framework for pregnant and parenting students in Ogun State schools, incorporating mental health support, academic accommodation, and family counselling components. Policy directives should protect the rights of pregnant students to remain in school and access non-discriminatory guidance services. Keywords: teenage pregnancy, psychosocial effects, female students, secondary school, Abeokuta.