A staggering 45% of Nigerian girls become mothers before they turn 18, according to the World Bank. This alarming statistic was highlighted during the National Conference on Girls’ Education and Empowerment, held in Abuja on January 27, 2025. The revelation underscores the severe challenges that hinder the educational and social development of young girls in Nigeria.
The World Bank’s Country Director for Nigeria, Ndiame Diop, made the disclosure through the bank’s Deputy Country Director, Taimur Samad, who spoke at the conference on behalf of the organization. The conference, themed “Effective Partnership on Girls’ Education: Out-of-School Children Education for National Development,” brought together key stakeholders in the education and development sectors, including government representatives, traditional leaders, and international partners.
A Devastating Trend: Dropout Rates and Early Marriage
According to the World Bank, over two-thirds of Nigerian girls drop out of school before completing junior secondary education. This alarming dropout rate is compounded by early marriages, with 35% of girls being married by the age of 15. These factors contribute significantly to the high rate of early pregnancies, with 45% of girls in Nigeria giving birth before reaching 18.
Speaking on the topic, Taimur Samad stressed the importance of partnerships in addressing these issues. “What has been impressive to us at the World Bank is the unwavering commitment of our partners, including the Federal Government, the 18 state governors participating in the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) program, and community leaders. Their determination gives us hope that, together, we can tackle the challenges facing Nigerian girls,” Samad remarked.
The AGILE program, launched in collaboration with the Nigerian government and the World Bank, aims to promote the education and empowerment of adolescent girls across the country. With the involvement of traditional leaders and local communities, the initiative has shown promise in overcoming barriers to education, but challenges remain widespread.
The Government’s Efforts: Addressing Socio-Cultural Barriers
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who also spoke at the conference, pointed out that poverty, child labor, early marriage, and harmful cultural practices are among the key factors preventing girls from accessing education. “It is heartbreaking to see young girls hawking goods on the streets or working as domestic helpers when they should be in classrooms,” Alausa lamented. “The harsh reality is that these girls become more vulnerable to exploitation, child labor, and even violence. Their potential remains untapped.”
Despite the Nigerian government’s efforts to implement free and compulsory basic education programs, many barriers continue to thwart progress. “While we have made strides in providing free education, the persistence of societal and economic obstacles means that too many girls are left behind,” Alausa said. He highlighted the urgent need for collective action to break the cycle of inequality that stunts the potential of Nigerian girls.
The Role of Traditional and Religious Leaders
Alausa emphasized the importance of community engagement in tackling these issues. He called on traditional and religious leaders to play a more active role in advocating for girls’ education, urging them to engage with their communities and challenge the harmful norms that perpetuate child marriage and early pregnancies. “The commitment of all stakeholders is vital in creating an environment where girls can thrive, not just survive,” he added.
The World Bank’s Ndiame Diop echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for collaboration between governmental and non-governmental actors to address the multifaceted challenges facing Nigerian girls. “We need more than just policies; we need a cultural shift that values the education and well-being of girls. The time for action is now,” Diop stated.
A Global Perspective: The Fight for Girls’ Education
Globally, early pregnancies and child marriages are recognized as major barriers to education and social development. In sub-Saharan Africa, the situation is particularly dire, with Nigeria being one of the countries where the highest rates of early marriage and teenage pregnancy are recorded. These issues not only rob young girls of their childhood but also contribute to a cycle of poverty and limited opportunities for future generations.
Research has shown that girls who are educated are less likely to marry early and more likely to delay childbirth, contributing to improved health outcomes, economic empowerment, and social stability. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), education is a critical factor in breaking the cycle of poverty and ensuring that girls can reach their full potential.
The Path Forward: Education as a Key to Change
Despite the grim statistics, there are reasons for hope. The AGILE program, which is supported by the World Bank and the Nigerian government, is working to address the root causes of educational inequality. By providing financial support, training, and advocacy, the initiative aims to keep girls in school, delay early marriages, and ensure access to reproductive health services.
Moreover, there are growing efforts to raise awareness about the importance of girls’ education in Nigeria. Various non-governmental organizations, community groups, and international bodies are working alongside the government to push for policy changes and promote educational opportunities for girls, especially in rural and underserved areas.
A Call to Action: The Future of Nigerian Girls
As the World Bank’s findings reveal the devastating impact of early pregnancies and school dropouts on Nigerian girls, the need for urgent action becomes clear. The future of Nigeria depends on the education and empowerment of its youth, particularly its girls. While the government and international partners like the World Bank are making strides in addressing these issues, the full participation of communities, traditional leaders, and religious organizations will be key to ensuring that no girl is left behind.
“We must not only dream of a better future for our girls, but we must also act to make it a reality,” said Alausa, summing up the collective resolve needed to turn the tide. The message is clear: the time for change is now, and the future of Nigerian girls depends on it.
