Empowering the Future: Girl-child Education in Nigeria

Abstract

This study is focused on empowering the future: girl-child education in Nigeria. Nigeria is 
widely recognized as a fundamentally patriarchal society, a conclusion rooted in the historical 
marginalization and subjugation experienced by Nigerian women and girls. Prior to the 
enactment of Section 42 of the Nigerian constitution and subsequent judicial rulings, customary 
laws and practices often prevented women from exercising certain rights, such as the right to 
inherit or own property. Despite advancements in formal education and increased global 
awareness, the rights of women and girls continue to be hotly contested in Nigeria, particularly 
concerning the girl-child's right to receive a formal education. The issue of girl-child education 
has garnered significant attention over the years, prompting national and international efforts 
to address the situation. While progress has undeniably been made, Nigeria still faces numerous 
challenges in achieving education for girls. These barriers encompass cultural practices, 
poverty, gender-based violence, and more. Alarming statistics from 2017 revealed that out of 
the global figure of 121 million out-of-school children, 65 million were girls, with over 80 
percent of these girls residing in Sub-Saharan Africa. Within Nigeria itself, girls' access to basic 
education, especially in northern states, remains critically low. Empowering girls through 
education not only enhances their personal capabilities but also equips them to contribute 
significantly to the social, economic, and political development of the country. This study 
discusses some of the issues surrounding girls' education in Nigeria, the challenges hindering 
progress, and explore the initiatives that have been developed thus far to promote and facilitate 
girls' education. One crucial aspect to be explored is the nexus between girls' education and 
poverty reduction, as education plays a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of poverty and 
fostering inclusive development. By investing in girls' education, Nigeria can empower its 
young women to overcome socio-economic limitations, paving the way for a more prosperous 
and equitable society.