Assessing the Effects of Widowhood on Children Education in Southwestern, Nigeria

Abstract

Widowhood has been found to have negative effects on widows and their children all over. The state of widowhood, most especially in Southwestern Nigeria is characterized by poverty, insecurity, disinheritance, ignorance and superstition. The unemployed widows are particularly vulnerable and are deprived of moral and financial supports when they need such most. It is therefore not surprising as they feel inadequate to cope with the responsibilities of providing good and qualitative education for their children. This study therefore, investigates the plight of unemployed widows in Ekiti-State and the effects of this on their children education. The study employed the descriptive research design. A multi-stage sampling technique of stratified and simple random sampling technique was used to select 150 respondents for the study. A self-structured questionnaire and Key Informant Interview were used to collect relevant data which were analyzed through simple percentages. The study revealed that children of widows are usually neglected abandoned and uncared for.  It therefore calls on the governments, N.G.O, and the society to assist such children with scholarship towards the attainment of good and qualitative education. It also recommends that widows should engage in various vocational skills to have a sustainable income that can help meet the needs of their children.

Key Notes: Widowhood, unemployed widows, Children education, Vocational skills.