35% of Nigerian girls marry by age 15 — World Bank

The World Bank has disclosed that over 35% of Nigerian girls marry before their 15th birthday, a phenomenon contributing to high rates of school dropouts and early childbirth in the country.

Speaking at the National Conference on Girls’ Education and Empowerment in Abuja on Tuesday, World Bank Country Director Ndiame Diop, represented by Deputy Country Director Taimur Samad, remarked: “More than two-thirds of girls in Nigeria do not complete junior secondary school. Thirty-five per cent are married by age 15, and 45 per cent have children before they turn 18.”

Diop highlighted that partnerships involving the Federal Government, traditional rulers, and governors under the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) programme have shown promise in addressing these challenges.

“The determination of our partners exceeds the hurdles we face,” he added.

Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, also spoke on the barriers hindering girls’ education.

“Poverty, child labour, early marriage, and harmful cultural practices keep many girls out of school,” he said.

“It is disheartening to see girls working as domestic help or street hawkers instead of being in classrooms where their potential can flourish.”

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Alausa stressed the importance of collective advocacy for girls’ education, urging traditional and religious leaders to champion the cause and foster societal change.

“We need community engagement to create an environment where girls can thrive and excel,” he concluded.