Spatial Distribution of Schools and Educational Access in Kebbi State Using GIS

Access to primary and junior secondary education remains uneven across rural and urban communities in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria. This study maps the spatial distribution of public primary and junior secondary schools in three LGAs including Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, and Yauri, using GIS tools. School location data obtained from the Kebbi State Universal Basic Education Board are geocoded and linked to population estimates at the ward level. Catchment area analysis using Euclidean distance and network-based travel time estimates the proportion of school-age children residing beyond recommended walking distances of 3 kilometres for primary and 5 kilometres for junior secondary schools. Results reveal that over 35 percent of school-age children in rural wards lack physical access within recommended distances. Female enrolment rates from administrative data are mapped and correlated with access deficits, confirming a strong spatial association. The study recommends targeted school construction in underserved wards identified through the spatial model. Keywords: education access, GIS, school distribution, Kebbi State, spatial equity