SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS MILITATING AGAINST GIRLS-CHILD EDUCATION IN KATSINA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

This study examined the socio-cultural factors and challenges affecting girl-child education in Katsina Local Government Area of Katsina State. The problem investigated revolved around early marriage, purdah system, government policies and programmes. The study aimed to determine the extent to which early marriage hinders or affects the education of the girl-child and to examine how government policies and programmes may have promoted girl- child education in Katsina Local Government. Data was collected using structured questionnaire. Quantitative data was analysed using frequency counts and percentages.. The study established that the parents in Katsina Local Government Area give unequal educational opportunity to their children (boys & girls) because majority of the girls below 18 years were giving out for early marriage and this religious/ cultural practices have hindered girl-child education in the local government, and that there is strong practice of purdah in Katsina local government area as a result of religious and cultural beliefs of the majority of the inhabitants, and this have prevented girls from furthering their education and engaging in economic activities or skill acquisition programs. The study recommends among others that regular awareness campaigns and seminars should be held especially in the rural areas about the importance of girl-child education. Also, adult education centre should be established in rural areas so that even the girls who dropped out as a result of early marriage or purdah system can benefit from it, after all, education is a lifelong process.