CONSEQUENCES OF EARLY MARRIAGE ON THE ACADEMIC ATTAINMENT OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN AKOKO SOUTH WEST, ONDO STATE

This study investigated the prevalence, impact, and contributing factors of early marriage among secondary school students in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. The research also examined how early marriage influences academic attainment and explored possible strategies to reduce its incidence. A descriptive survey research design was employed, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 105 students selected from three secondary schools in the region: Community High School, Akungba-Akoko; Ansarudeen Muslim Grammar School, Akungba; and Oroke High School. The analysis was carried out using both descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation and independent samples t-test). Findings from the descriptive data revealed that early marriage is still prevalent and is largely driven by poverty, cultural practices, and religious beliefs. Respondents perceived that early marriage negatively affects academic performance and contributes to school dropout among girls. However, the inferential statistics revealed no statistically significant relationship between early marriage and academic attainment, nor between socio-cultural factors and the prevalence of early marriage. Despite the lack of statistical significance, the findings underscore the need for community sensitization, strict enforcement of child marriage laws, and support systems such as scholarships and re-entry policies for married students. The study concludes that while early marriage may not show immediate statistical impact on academics, it presents long-term educational and social risks that require comprehensive policy and community action