The World Bank has announced that 45% of girls in Nigeria become mothers before turning 18.
This information was shared by the World Bank Country Director, Ndiame Diop, during the National Conference on Girls’ Education and Empowerment in Abuja on Tuesday.
At the conference titled “Effective Partnership on Girls’ Education: Out-of-School Children Education for National Development,” Diop, represented by World Bank Deputy Country Director Taimur Samad, stated that more than two-thirds of girls in Nigeria leave school before reaching junior secondary level, with 35% marrying by age 15.
Diop emphasized that through collaboration with traditional and community leaders, the Federal Government, and the 18 participating governors in the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project, the existing challenges for girls can be mitigated. “We are truly impressed by the dedication of our partners—including the Federal Government of Nigeria, the 18 AGILE participating governors, and traditional and community leaders—which surpasses the obstacles we face,” he noted.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, also addressed the conference, pointing out that numerous girls remain out of school due to factors such as poverty, child labor, early marriage, and detrimental cultural norms.
“It is upsetting to observe girls selling goods on the streets or working as domestic help instead of being in classrooms where they can realize their potential,” he remarked. He added that these circumstances make the girl-child more susceptible to exploitation, child labor, and various personal dangers, including threats and violence. Despite the existence of free and compulsory basic education programs, significant barriers still hinder girls from accessing education.
Alausa stressed the importance of collective action in promoting girls’ education. “While the Federal and State Governments have important roles to play, we also need the support of traditional and religious leaders to champion girls’ education, engage communities, and shift societal perspectives. The commitment of all stakeholders will be vital in establishing an environment where girls can flourish and succeed,” he concluded.
