Dropout Rates and Associated Factors in Public Primary Schools in Yobe State

This study investigates the dropout rates and associated factors in public primary schools in Yobe State, North East Nigeria. High rates of school dropout among primary school-age children continue to undermine education for all goals in Nigeria's North East, a region historically characterised by poverty, insecurity, and cultural barriers to schooling. The study adopts a descriptive survey and ex-post facto design, collecting data from 280 school headteachers, parents, and community leaders in Damaturu, Nguru, and Gashua local government areas. Official school enrolment and dropout records supplemented by structured interviews constitute the data sources. Frequency counts, percentages, and logistic regression were applied. The study is anchored in the Push-Pull Framework and Human Capital Theory. It examines school-level factors, household economic pressures, child labour, early marriage, and insecurity as predictors of dropout. Findings are expected to identify household poverty and insecurity as the most significant dropout drivers, with gender disparities noted in the reasons for male and female dropout. The moderating influence of distance to school and teacher availability is also investigated. Recommendations target the Yobe State Government, the Universal Basic Education Commission, UNICEF, and community stakeholders on designing targeted re-enrolment campaigns, conditional cash transfers, and safe school initiatives. The study provides critical evidence for education policy in conflict-affected regions and informs teacher education on community engagement strategies relevant to high-dropout contexts. Keywords: dropout rates, primary school, associated factors, Yobe State, North East Nigeria