Gender Disparity in Educational Attainment Among Adolescents in Jigawa State

This study examines the nature and determinants of gender disparity in educational attainment among adolescents in Jigawa State, North West Nigeria. Despite improvements in national school enrolment figures, significant gender gaps persist in the North West geopolitical zone, with girls consistently underrepresented at secondary and post-secondary levels. In Jigawa State, cultural norms around early marriage, purdah observance, and son preference in education investment decisions continue to constrain girls' school participation and completion. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with data collected from 400 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years and 100 parents across 20 communities in Dutse, Hadejia, and Gumel senatorial zones. Educational attainment was documented through school enrolment status and highest grade completed. Gender disparity was analysed using disaggregated descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify determinants of dropout risk by gender. Results confirm a significant gender gap, with girls 2.3 times more likely to be out of school than boys at secondary level. Early marriage intention, parental education level, and distance to school emerged as the strongest predictors of female dropout. The study concludes that multiple intersecting factors sustain gender disparity in Jigawa State adolescent education. It recommends that the state government introduce girls' scholarship programmes, community enlightenment campaigns on the value of girls' education, and safe girl-friendly school environments as coordinated policy responses to close the gender attainment gap.

Keywords: gender disparity, educational attainment, adolescents, Jigawa State, girls' education.