Contraceptives are medications or devices used to prevent pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Despite being sexually active, young people still lack adequate information and acceptance of contraceptive use, raising concerns about their awareness and perception of effectiveness. This study investigates students’ knowledge and perception of contraceptive effectiveness in a tertiary institution. A cross-sectional design was adopted, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered via simple random sampling. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square method in SPSS 24. Results show that 81.3% of respondents believe contraception is effective, with condoms being the most commonly used method. The results of the chi-square test show a strong correlation between age group and the efficacy of contraception. The effectiveness of contraceptives is significantly correlated with marital status. Perceptions of the effectiveness of contraceptives are substantially correlated with gender. Students with prior contraceptive use were more likely to perceive them as effective. These findings underscore the need for targeted awareness and education campaigns to improve contraceptive understanding among students. Social media can be a good medium to sensitize students (young people at large) of the importance and the correct ways to use contraceptives effectively. A good gender base strategy should be developed and employed in educating young people of contraceptive usage for the prevention of STDs and pregnancy.

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