Abstract

Nigeria has over 10.5 million out-of-school children, with girls constituting 57% of this population, representing a 14% national gender gap. This study examines gender disparities in education for out-of-school children across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones using descriptive research design and content analysis methodology. The findings reveal significant regional variations, with northern regions recording the highest gender gaps: North-West (24%) and NorthEast (16%) compared to southern regions averaging 2-6%. Economic barriers emerged as the primary constraint, affecting 65% of out-of-school girls compared to 35% of boys, while cultural and religious factors impact 80% of girls through early marriage practices, with 44% of girls married before age 18 nationally. Security concerns, particularly in northeastern Nigeria, have disrupted over 1,500 schools since 2009, forcing 600,000 children out of school (65% girls). Policy implementation gaps are evidenced by inadequate funding (8.2% of national budget versus UNESCO's 20% recommendation), 40% teacher shortage in rural areas, and 78% of schools lacking proper sanitation facilities for girls. The study recommends conditional cash transfer programs, community engagement with religious leaders, enhanced security measures, improved policy implementation with increased funding allocation, and expansion of alternative learning platforms to achieve gender parity in education.

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