Investigation of Factors Influencing Pre-Primary School Enrolment in Rural Communities in Niger State

Pre-primary school enrolment in rural North Central Nigeria remains well below national targets, and understanding the demand-side and supply-side factors affecting attendance in Niger State provides evidence for targeted intervention design. This study investigated the factors influencing pre-primary school enrolment in rural communities in Suleja, Lapai, and Agaie Local Government Areas, Niger State. A mixed-methods design combined a household survey of 300 parents with structured interviews of 15 community leaders and 10 ECCDE supervisors. Results showed an enrolment rate of only 38 percent among survey households with eligible children. Distance to the nearest pre-primary facility was the strongest predictor of non-enrolment, with a distance above two kilometres associated with 67 percent non-enrolment probability. Mothers with at least secondary education were 3.4 times more likely to enrol their child than those with no formal education. Economic cost of fees or learning materials was cited by 44 percent of respondents as a barrier. Many parents in rural communities relied on older siblings for childcare, reducing perceived need for formal ECD enrolment. The study concludes that access-related and belief-related factors jointly constrain rural enrolment in Niger State. Recommendations include establishing community-based ECCDE centres, waiving fees for rural pre-primary enrolment, and ECD sensitisation campaigns delivered through community leaders and religious institutions in underserved areas.

Keywords: pre-primary enrolment, rural communities, Niger State, access barriers, early childhood education