A shocking report by the World Bank has revealed that more than 66% of Nigerian girls do not complete their junior secondary education, highlighting a deepening crisis in the country’s education system. Naija247news gathered that the report, released on Wednesday, underscores the persistent barriers faced by girls in accessing and staying in school, including poverty, cultural norms, and insecurity.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, the report titled *“Addressing the Learning Crisis in Nigeria”* paints a grim picture of gender disparity in education, with northern Nigeria being the most affected region. The World Bank attributed the high dropout rate to factors such as early marriages, lack of access to sanitary products, and the rising cost of education. Naija247news understands that the situation is further exacerbated by the Boko Haram insurgency, which has displaced millions of families and disrupted schooling in the northeast.
“Nigeria is facing a silent education emergency, particularly for girls. If this trend continues, it will have far-reaching consequences for the country’s economic and social development,” the report stated. Naija247news reports that the World Bank has called for urgent interventions, including increased funding for education, targeted scholarships for girls, and community sensitization programs to change societal attitudes toward female education.
The Nigerian government has acknowledged the challenges but insists that efforts are being made to address the issue. Naija247news gathered that the Ministry of Education is collaborating with international organizations to implement initiatives such as the *Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE)*, which aims to improve access to education for girls in underserved communities. However, stakeholders argue that more needs to be done to tackle the root causes of the problem.
Education experts have expressed concern over the long-term implications of the dropout rate. Naija247news understands that girls who leave school early are more likely to face poverty, early pregnancies, and limited economic opportunities. “This is not just an education issue; it’s a national development crisis. Educating girls is one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty and drive economic growth,” said Dr. Amina Mohammed, an education policy analyst.
The World Bank report also highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, teacher training, and safer learning environments to encourage girls to stay in school. Naija247news reports that the organization has pledged additional funding to support Nigeria’s education sector, but experts warn that without sustained political will and community involvement, progress will remain slow.
As Nigeria grapples with this alarming trend, activists and civil society groups are calling for a national emergency declaration on girls’ education. The time to act, they say, is now, before another generation of Nigerian girls is left behind. Naija247news will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on this critical issue.
