International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue IX, September 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Effect of Early Marriage on The Academic Performance of the Girl-Child in Katsina State: Challenges and Prospects.

Mustapha Sherif Abdulkadir (Ph.D), Aliyu Idris Funtuwa (Ph.D), Ahmad Tijjani Ibrahim (Ph.D)
Federal College of Education Katsina, P.M.B. 2041 Katsina, Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract: This research work explored the effect of early marriage on the academic performance of girl-child in Katsina state: Challenges and prospects. The population of the study comprised six Government Girls Secondary Schools in Katsina State. 377 respondents participated; 58-70 students were selected randomly from each six Girls Secondary in the state for this study based on their population size. A self-designed questionnaire titled as Questionnaire on Effect of Early Marriage and Academic Performance (QEEMAP) with r=0.74 Cronbach alpha was used to gathered data on the study. Data collected were analyzed using chi-square, t-test and frequency count and percentage scores. It shed light its effects on girls’ education and academic performance. The findings from respondents and extensive reading of materials related to early Marriage due to various factors including among others, the search for economic survival, protection of young girls, peer group and family pressure, controlling female behaviour and sexuality, wars and civil conflicts, socio-cultural and religious values. It is against this background, recommendations were suggested to deal with the problems, a number of strategies that will provide economic opportunities to young girls, promoting academic performance and education of girls in Katsina State and Nigeria in particular.

Key Words: Early Marriage, Academic Performance and Girl-Child.

I. INTRODUCTION

Background to the study

For ages, effect of early marriage on the academic performance of the girl-child has been a topic of debate especially in most Africa countries. In 2004, Children’s National Day, the UNICEF in collaboration with the Ministry of Education in Nigeria, had presented of statistical result of schooling and non-schooling children in the contemporary society in Africa. Nigeria has the largest population with about 170 million people according to the 2006 NPC census. Of this number, 49% are female, 80.2 million girls and women, hence, this leads to the need for policy makers to pay attention to the situation of women in the country.
The research shows that over 7.2 million Nigerian children are out of school as they engage themselves in hawking or as maid to people or otherwise. According to UNICEF (2008), the major reasons why more girl children are found outside school in the North is that female children are given out on marriage at early age. The marriage institution is very vital in any society; it’s legitimate in the productive process and ensures the meaningful preparation of the social norms of the society. But the timing and the resultant impact of early marriage is a source of concern for many who cherish the