Female education: A sociological analysis of girl-child education in Nigeria

Abstract

International Journal of Educational Policy Research and Review Vol.1(1), pp. 006-013,January 2014
Available online at http://www.journalissues.org/journals/ijeprr/
© 2013 Journal Issues
Article /13/ID/:EPRR006

Review

Female education: A sociological analysis of girl-child education in Nigeria

Accepted 22 November,2013

*Alabi, T. and Alabi O.S.

Department of Sociology,University of Abuja, Abuja,Nigeria

Corresponding Author.E-mail:luckytope4j@yahoo.co.uk

 Abstract

The disparity in the education of male and female youths is a global issue particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. The dominant of male gender in schools in general and in the study of certain school subjects or career in particular has been affirmed by research reports. For instance, existing literature indicated low enrolment of females in school. This has strong implications for national development. This study is a theoretical one. It explores secondary sources of data to indicate the participation of female gender particularly in acquiring knowledge and skills in educational sector. Based on the discussions, conclusion is drawn and suggestions made on ways of bringing education to the doorstep of the girl- child in Nigeria. Child participation in schooling is influenced by sector, age, gender household poverty status and regional differences. The fact that girls suffer from disadvantage relative to boys is not enough to conclude gender discrimination in child schooling in Nigeria. However, the challenges facing girls are eased to some degree in urban Nigeria, but no systematic evidence emerges to this effect in Nigeria. The paper recommend that the government and other stakeholders in women affairs should strive to create conducive enabling socio-political and economic conditions which will discourage societal preference for male children and the traditional belief that the position of a woman is in the kitchen.

Key words: Education, gender inequality, discrimination, women and feminism.

Keywords: