INTRODUCTION:
cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries and reflects persistent health inequities.1 Despite the availability of effective preventive measures, including human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination and cervical cancer screening,2,3,4 uptake remains low among young women. Understanding socioeconomic and health system determinants influencing preventive behaviours is essential to achieve sustainable development goal targets related to universal health coverage and reduction of non-communicable disease burden.1,5,6

METHODS:
a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among female undergraduate students at Kwara state polytechnic, Ilorin, Nigeria. Data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaires assessing awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and utilization of cervical cancer preventive services.2,7,8 Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyse patterns in preventive health behaviours.

RESULTS:
awareness of cervical cancer was reported by a majority of respondents, but knowledge of causative factors and preventive strategies was limited. Only 26.1 percent identified HPV as the primary cause of cervical cancer. uptake of preventive services was extremely low, with one sexually active respondent reporting prior screening and 7.2 percent reporting vaccination. Major barriers included cost of vaccination, limited accessibility of screening services, and inadequate health education. Notably, 60.1 percent of respondents expressed willingness to receive vaccination if financial barriers were reduced.

CONCLUSIONS:
socioeconomic barriers and health system limitations significantly influence cervical cancer prevention uptake among young women in nigeria.1,5,6 Policies promoting affordable vaccination programs, accessible screening services, and targeted health education are essential to reduce health inequities and support progress toward global cervical cancer elimination and sustainable development goals.1,9