Unequal Access: One of the Most Evident Form of Discrimination Against Girl-Child’s Right to Free Primary Education in Nigeria

Abstract

The situation of girls in Nigeria missing out on education calls for serious attention by the government. There are 10.5m children out of school in Nigeria, of the 10.5 million out-of- school children, the majority of them are girls. Realising that in 21st century children especially girls in Nigeria still encounter formidable constraints in their efforts to enrol in and attend primary school, calls for an urgent need to analyse the constraints that keep large numbers of girls out of school. There are several international conventions and global initiatives calling for all nations to provide education for all, especially girls who comprise the majority of children not attending school. Free and compulsory primary education should be each girl’s birth right which she is entitled to claim. The good news is that gender equality has become a central priority for international agencies and organisations. Nigerian government also has the responsibility to eliminate all barriers which the girl-child may face accessing it. Numerous benefits accrue to individuals and societies from educating girls. Educating a girl changes her destiny, as well as those of her future children, and ensures that she can contribute to the economic life of her nation.