Education specialists, government officials, and development advocates warned that failing to protect adolescent girls from dropping out of school will cost the nation far more in social, economic, and human terms than the proposed investment.
New research shows that expanding girls’ education programmes in Kano and Kaduna could reach over one million girls within four years. Experts emphasised that every naira invested in girls’ education yields significant social and economic returns, making it a strategic national investment.
READ ALSO: ASUU Blames Education Crisis on Federal Government
“Educating girls is not an expense; it is one of the smartest investments a nation can make,” said Dr Sopuruchukwu Obiesie of Accelerate Hub, University of Oxford. “The cost of inaction, child marriage, adolescent pregnancy, and lost human potential is far higher than the financial outlay required.”
Barriers to Girls’ Education
Despite these benefits, Nigeria still has 7.6 million girls out of school, with the majority in the North. Experts say poverty, insecurity, and cultural practices continue to push girls out of classrooms, particularly those at the primary six level or already out of the formal education system.
Habiba Mohammed, Executive Director of the Centre for Girls Education, stressed.
“When girls are denied education, they are denied their chance to contribute meaningfully to society. Protecting them is not optional; it is essential for national growth.”
Poverty forces families to marry off daughters early, while insecurity in high-risk states prevents many from attending school safely. Cultural norms and early pregnancy further limit opportunities for girls to continue education, experts warned.
Insecurity and Policy Interventions
Stakeholders said insecurity remains a major barrier to girls’ education in northern Nigeria. Government officials, however, reported ongoing efforts to strengthen protection and education policies.
Halliru Musa, Permanent Secretary of Kaduna State’s Ministry of Education, noted.
“We are working closely with communities and security agencies to ensure that girls can attend school safely. Policies are being reinforced to reach girls who are most at risk.”
A Strategic National Investment
Experts insist that educating girls is not just a moral imperative but a strategic investment in Nigeria’s socio-economic future. Studies show that educated girls are more likely to delay marriage, have healthier families, and contribute to the workforce and their communities.
“Protecting girls and keeping them in school transforms lives, communities, and the nation,” Dr Obiesue emphasised. “If Nigeria hopes to secure its future, it must invest decisively in girls today.”
Potential Impact of ₦22bn Investment
- 327,000 child marriages prevented
- 35,000 adolescent pregnancies averted
- Over 1 million girls reached in Kano and Kaduna over four years
- Long-term social and economic benefits: stronger communities, improved health, reduced poverty
READ ALSO: Child Marriage Drops to 28.6% From 44% in Nigeria – Report
Experts warn that with 7.6 million girls out of school, failing to act now risks condemning generations to cycles of poverty, vulnerability, and early marriage. Every naira spent on girls’ education is a direct investment in Nigeria’s stability, prosperity, and global competitiveness.
Habiba Mohammed concluded, “Educating girls is not a luxury. It is the foundation of national growth, stability, and future prosperity. The time to act is now.” “Educating girls transforms not just their lives but the future of their communities and the nation.” – Dr Sopuruchukwu Obiesie
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
