Cohabitation, sometimes called consensual union or de facto marriage refers to unmarried heterosexual couples living together in an intimate relationship without having gone through a ceremony of marriage (Parry, 1981).

Cohabitation is an act which is very much rampant among students in our campuses today. It has gradually found its way into the norms of a campus life and it is no longer strange for two students of the opposite sex to live together and perform most responsibilities or duties expected of married couples. 

A study regarding cohabitation in tertiary institutions which used Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA) as a case study stated the following findings: between 25% and 50% of the university students engage in the act of cohabitation; students engage in the act majorly for social influence, companionship, lack of accommodation, to seek pleasure, love for the other party and financial dependence.

 It was also observed that 75.4% of the respondents disagreed that cohabitation helps youth prepare adequately for marriage.

Even though in the name of modernization it is no longer frowned at like before, it is important to take note of our root as a country. 

No culture or religion in Nigeria approves the act, therefore there is need to curb this act before it finally gets out of hand. 

There has been so much talk and research about cohabitation, but the question is what are the actions that have taken to curb this act and has there been consistency in taking these actions? 

Cohabitation has negative impacts on students and mostly makes either or both of them (students involved) misplace their priorities. It also tells on their academic performance (which was their main aim of being in school). 

As a result of being sexually involved, the partners put themselves at the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. It also increases the risk of unwanted pregnancy which sometimes leads to abortion and finally death or complications.

Therefore, concerted efforts must be made to reduce the prevalence of cohabitation in Nigeria tertiary institutions. School administrations, students, parents, government and non-governmental organisations must collectively unite to fight cohabitation. 

Provision of more on-campus accommodation is imperative and there must be regular sentization programmes for students. Students should also aim to be independent and not be bound to someone else; doing their best to concentrate on their goals and shun cohabitation.