Non-Formal Education and the Girl-Child in Northern Nigeria: Issues and Strategies

Abstract

Girl child education is highly upheld not only in Nigeria but in all parts of the world. This is because statistically, the bulk of the world illiterates are women, and this is also applicable to northern Nigeria, where 65% of the children in school are boys, while majority of the girls are out of school. This paper examines the factors affecting girls’ education in northern Nigeria It also explores the benefits of the girls education to the society. It reviews international literature on the matter and relates it to the situation in northern Nigeria. It concludes that even though efforts were made by the various governments of the world and Nigeria in particular to ensure ample educational opportunities for all, yet, a gap still exists. Further more in the North; the situation undeniably affects generational upbringing and moral training. Based on this situation, seven suggestions were made for a collaborative move between the formal and the non-formal sector to eradicate illiteracy in our society.

Keywords: Non-Formal Education, Panacea, Reducing, Illiteracy Rate, Girl-Child, Northern Nigeria