REVITALIZING GIRL CHILD EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: INNOVATIVE APPROACHES, AND EMERGING CHALLENGES

Abstract

The study investigated participation of girl child education in Nigeria both in the past and present. The research work is done from 1960 when Nigeria got her independence to 2005 to time of 2nd annual National Conference of History of Education society of Nigeria. Historical method was use, and primary sources were heavily relied upon. Structured interview was held with Director Research and statistics of Kaduna and Lagos States’ Universal Basic Education Boards, Focal persons in charge of girls’ education in two state’s ministries of women affairs, and some Non-Governmental Organization in both states. The study examined some factors hindering girl’s participation in education. Factors such as tradition and cultural practices, economic condition of the house hold, school organization, opportunity were considered. The study also examined various innovative approaches made by Governments and Non-Governmental organizations towards revitalizing participation of girls in education. These include laws enacted in this regard, taskforces, female favored policies, national policy on women, launch of UBE in 1999, establishment of Girls education movement, mothers club in the south Eastern part of the country, girls’ education in the national policy on education, advocacy and sensitization, addressing problems of Almajiri and beggars in the northern Nigeria. The study goes further to talk briefly on emerging challenges toward improvement of girls’ education in Nigeria. The challenges include policy favoring the poor monitoring and evaluation, empowerment of parents and guardians. Some recommendations were finally made. The study specifically focused on Kaduna and Lagos States’ primary school roles few non-governmental organizations in the two states. While Kaduna represents northern part, Lagos represents Southern part.