Factors Affecting Girl-Child Education in Rural Communities: Ogbogoro Community as a Case Study

Clementina Toumuboizibe Clement; Undutimi Johnny Dudafa

doi:10.56201/ijssmr.vol.12no8.2026.pg70.79

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Factors Affecting Girl-Child Education in Rural Communities: Ogbogoro Community as a Case Study

Clementina Toumuboizibe Clement, Undutimi Johnny Dudafa

Abstract

This study examined the factors affecting girl-child education in rural communities, using Ogbogoro Community as a case study. The study was motivated by the persistent educational inequalities faced by girls in rural areas despite government policies and international efforts aimed at promoting universal access to education. Specifically, the study sought to examine the socio-cultural, economic, psychological, and environmental factors influencing girl-child education in the study area. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The target population comprised 9,400 residents of Ogbogoro Community, while a sample size of 383 respondents was selected using the Taro Yamane sampling formula. A structured questionnaire titled Factors Affecting Girl-Child Education Questionnaire was used for data collection, and the instrument was validated by experts. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed that socio-cultural practices such as early marriage, gender discrimination, and traditional beliefs significantly hinder girls' access to education. Economic factors, particularly poverty and the inability of parents to meet educational expenses, were also identified as major barriers. Furthermore, inadequate educational facilities, long distances to schools, poor transportation, and insecurity negatively affected girls' school attendance and retention. The study equally found that government intervention through scholarships, improved school infrastructure, awareness campaigns, and strict enforcement of laws protecting the rights of the girl child would significantly improve girl-child education in rural communities. The study concluded that improving girl-child education requires the collective efforts of government, parents, community leaders, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders. It recommended increased investment in rural educational infrastructure, public enlightenment on the importance of girl- child education, economic empowerment programmes for rural families, and effective implementation of policies aimed at eliminating gender discrimination and other barriers to girls' education. These measures would enhance educational opportunities for girls and contribute to sustainable community and national development.

Keywords

Girl-child education; Rural communities; Socio-cultural factors; Poverty; Ogbogoro community

References

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Factors Affecting Girl-Child Education in Rural Communities: Ogbogoro Community as a Case Study

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