Causes of High Out-of-School Children in Northern Nigeria and Its Implications for Present and Future

This study investigates the impartial causes contributing to the high number of out-of-school children (OOSC) in Northern Nigeria and explores the present and future implications of this persistent challenge. Drawing on stakeholder perspectives from government officials, community leaders, and parents, the research highlights key causes such as poverty, insecurity, cultural beliefs, gender disparity, and policy gaps. Using a qualitative methodology, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews in Borno, Niger, and Kano States and analysed through thematic content analysis. The study found that while stakeholders generally agree on the critical barriers to education, their perspectives vary in terms of priority and proposed solutions. The findings underscore the need for a collaborative, culturally responsive, and multi-sectoral approach to effectively address the out-of-school crisis in the region. Recommendations include increasing education funding, expanding school feeding programs, integrating Islamic and Western education, enhancing community sensitisation, and improving gender-sensitive support mechanisms.