Non-contraceptive use among sexually active young people remains a major public health and educational concern particularly within tertiary institutions in developing countries. This study examines the implications of non-contraceptive use among sexually active students of tertiary institutions in Lafia Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Specifically, it investigated the effects of contraceptive non-use on unintended pregnancy and educational outcomes among students. The study was guided by the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behaviour. A total of four hundred and sixteen (416) respondents participated in the research, comprising four hundred (400) students for the quantitative survey and 16 respondents for qualitative in-depth interviews.

Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and an interview guide. Descriptive statistics and narrative statements were used to present the data, while Pearson correlation and Regression analysis were employed to test the hypotheses. Findings revealed that non-contraceptive use is significantly associated with unintended pregnancy and adverse educational outcomes, including absenteeism, deferred studies, withdrawal from school, and compromised academic performance. The study recommends integrating comprehensive sexuality education into tertiary curricula, establishing campus-based reproductive health services, and providing counselling and support mechanisms to mitigate unintended pregnancies and safeguard students’ educational trajectories.