ISSUES IN GIRL-CHILD EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The study investigated issues in Girl-child Education in Nigeria. Three research questions guided the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was 147208 parents.  A sample of 500 parents was involved in the study. The sample was composed using the multistage sampling method. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire developed by researchers. The questionnaire was duly validated and its internal consistency was ascertained using Cronbach Alpha. Mean and Standard deviation were used to analyse the data collected. Results revealed parental, traditional and religious issues in girl child education in Anambra State that need to be resolved. It was concluded that both gender should be given equal qualitative education to enable them develop their potentials, knowledge and skills, in order to contribute meaningfully to the State and national development. This will also help them to carry out their gender roles effectively in order to maintain peace and tranquillity in the society at large. The implications to sustainable development were highlighted. Based on the findings of the study, It was recommended among others that the government should implement the laws that will profit the right of the child, the government should make education sufficiently free from primary to the implementation of senior secondary school, the child policy on hawking wares during school should be intensified and government should create employment opportunities for the educated citizens especially the girl children.