EXAMINING THE EFFECTS OF CHILD MARRIAGE ON GIRLS' EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

Early marriage remains a significant socio-cultural challenge in Nigeria, with profound implications for the educational outcomes of girls. Rooted in traditional beliefs, gender norms, and economic pressures, the practice often limits girls’ access to formal education and curtails their personal and socio-economic development. This study examines the impact of early marriage on girls’ educational attainment, highlighting how early marital responsibilities, childbearing, and restricted autonomy contribute to school dropout and reduced academic performance. The paper also explores the role of societal attitudes, poverty, and gender inequality in perpetuating early marriage practices. Findings suggest that early marriage significantly undermines girls’ educational opportunities, thereby reinforcing cycles of poverty and gender disparity. The study underscores the importance of education as a critical tool for empowering girls and advocates for policy interventions, community sensitization, and enforcement of legal frameworks to delay marriage and promote girls’ schooling