GOVERNANCE AND GIRL-CHILD EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

This paper intends to look at the problems associated with girl-child education and its implications on socio-economic development in Nigeria. Despite the role of government which aims at providing basic education to the masses particularly the girl-child there are criticisms from many angles on the quality of education provided. Many girl-children are deprived of education which is a fundamental right and they are been subjected to child trafficking and trade, thereby constituting problems to the society such as prostitution, HIV/ Aids etc.

Data was collected through in-depth interviews with 31 respondents ranging from school administrators, parent-teacher associations, non-governmental organizations and the Nigerian Union of Teachers. Secondary data were sourced from journals, text books and newspapers.

The findings revealed that the lack of commitment from stakeholders (government as well as parents) in the provision of girl-child basic education. This has resulted in 10.5 million children out of school in Nigeria. The most affected category is the girl- child. The paper suggests the need for an increase in consensus building, and an enlightenment campaign in order to minimize the drop out of girl-children in the schools.