IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL POLICY (JHSP )

E-ISSN 2545-5729
P-ISSN 2695 2416
VOL. 11 NO. 5 2025
DOI: 10.56201/jhsp.vol.11.no5.2025.pg100.112

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Influence of Early Marriage on Girl-Child School Enrolment and Retention in Nigeria: Implications for Guidance

USMAN, Sule Haruna, USMAN, Mathew Barau and OWOBAMIGBE, Kate David

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Abstract

The study examined the influence of early marriage on girl-child school enrolment and retention in Nigeria: Implications for Guidance. The study looked at early marriage, causes of early marriage, influence of early marriage on girl-child enrolment and retention, challenges facing girl-child education in Nigeria, consequences of early marriage and girl-child education in Nigeria. The study concluded that there is a strong, detrimental relationship between early marriage and girls’ access to education. Efforts to address this problem must include a multifaceted approach, combining community sensitization, strong legal frameworks, financial support and accessible education systems tailored to the needs of at-risk girls. The study therefore recommended that government should enforce existing laws that prohibit child marriage and ensure compliance through stronger monitoring and accountability mechanisms; collaborate with local authorities, traditional leaders and law enforcement to ensure child protection laws are respected at the community level; government at all levels should provide free or subsidized education for girls, especially in rural and underserved areas, to reduce financial barriers to schooling; counsellors in collaboration with schools should conduct awareness campaigns to educate parents, religious leaders and communities about the harmful effects of early marriage on girls’ education and well-being; government should establish alternative education programmes, as such evening classes or vocational training to accommodate girls who dropped out due to early marriage. Also, with the help of trained counsellors, provide psychosocial support and counselling services to help married girls return to school and rebuild their confidence.

keywords:

Early Marriage, Girl-Child, Enrolment, Retention and Guidance

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