Abstract
In most traditional African societies, chastity is one of the priced premarital values. This also portrays good moral upbringing that in most cases mothers are rewarded for bringing up their female children this way. With acculturation and globalization, much of this cherished traditional values are being eroded. The current study explores heterosexuality and premarital cohabitation among Nigerian university students. The study wants to understand (a) the factors responsible and (b) challenges theses students face. In other to accomplish this task, 24 students were interviewed through chain referral. The interviews were conducted in English as the official Nigerian language. The interviews lasted between 40 and 70 minutes. The interviews were transcribed and coded for themes. Major findings reflect economic, peer influence, and sexual exploration. The challenges ranges from sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy which could lead to complications during abortion and thereafter, and poor academic performance. The explanation for this rising trend in heterosexuality and premarital cohabitation finds relevance with symbolic interactionist theory. The students learn uncensored behavior from their peers, which creates the avenue for exploration into these practices. As such, these findings have implications to African marriage and sexual identity.