Project Nigeria
Access to secondary education for female students in Nigeria faces several challenges:
Out-of-School Rates: Approximately 7.6 million girls in Nigeria are out of school, with 3.9 million at the primary level and 3.7 million at the junior secondary level. More than 50% of girls do not attend school at the basic education level1.
Dropout Rates: A significant proportion of girls drop out between the first and last year of primary school, as well as between primary grade 6 and junior secondary school (JSS1). This poor retention affects their educational journey1.
Geographical Disparities: The Northwest and Northeast regions have the highest number of out-of-school girls. Gender parity in net attendance ratio is below 1.0 in several states, primarily in the North1.
Economic Factors: Poverty remains a significant barrier. School fees are often prohibitive, leading families to keep girls at home rather than sending them to school1.
Social and Gender Norms: Cultural norms devalue education, especially for girls. Boy-child preference is prevalent, and early marriage is a concern. Insecurity, including attacks on schools, further jeopardizes girls’ safety and access to education1.
Learning Outcomes: Poor learning outcomes contribute to dropout rates. Girls who marry or become mothers lack support and pathways to return to school1.
Lack of Free Senior Secondary Education: While the Universal Basic Education Act (2004) provides free and compulsory education for all Nigerian children, the three years of senior secondary education are not free. Only 26 states have adopted the Child Rights Act, and provisions against child marriage are yet to be fully incorporated into state laws1.
In summary, addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts to improve retention, eliminate gender disparities, and provide accessible and quality secondary education for Nigerian girls. Supporting girls through increased secondary education and skills development is crucial for delaying early marriage, improving health, and driving economic growth.
EquityEd: Bridging Educational Gaps for Nigerian Female Students
Empowering Education, Transforming Lives
EquityEd is on a mission to revolutionize education for female secondary school students in Nigeria. Our commitment extends beyond mere learning; we envision stability, hope, and social inclusion as integral components of our educational framework.
Our Approach
Satellite-Technology Access: Recognizing the challenges posed by inadequate infrastructure, EquityEd uses cutting-edge satellite internet technology. This ensures that even remote areas gain access to quality education.
Secondary and Vocational Education: Our comprehensive curriculum goes beyond textbooks. We equip students with practical skills essential for economic redevelopment, fostering self-reliance and empowerment.
Why EquityEd?
Stability: Education provides stability, anchoring young lives amidst uncertainty. By bridging gaps, we offer a lifeline to stability.
Hope: Every lesson learned is a beacon of hope. EquityEd ignites hope for a brighter future, inspiring dreams and aspirations.
Social Inclusion: Education transcends boundaries. We create an inclusive space where every girl’s voice matters.
Join the Movement
Support EquityEd’s vision. Together, we can empower Nigerian girls, transforming their lives through education.