Study of Gender Disparities in Early Childhood Education Enrolment in Kebbi State

Gender disparities in early education enrolment in North West Nigeria perpetuate lifelong educational disadvantages for girls, and understanding their specific determinants in Kebbi State supports the design of gender-targeted ECD interventions in this region. This study examined gender disparities in early childhood education enrolment in Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, and Koko-Besse Local Government Areas, Kebbi State. A descriptive survey was conducted with household interviews of 280 families and structured interviews with 20 ECDE supervisors. Enrolment records from 25 ECDE centres were reviewed. Results showed that boys constituted 61 percent of enrolled children, representing a gender parity index of 0.64. The disparity was wider in rural than urban communities. Parental preference for boys' education was cited by 47 percent of fathers as a reason for lower girl enrolment. Girls were more frequently needed for domestic chores conflicting with school hours. Safety concerns about the journey to school were higher for girls. Mothers' educational level was significantly associated with daughter enrolment. The study concludes that cultural norms, household labour burdens, and safety concerns jointly explain gender disparities in Kebbi State ECD enrolment. Recommendations include community sensitisation campaigns on girls' education, female-only ECD community centres, flexible afternoon session options, and bursary incentives for girl enrolment in Kebbi State.

Keywords: gender disparities, enrolment, Kebbi State, girls' education, early childhood