Title: Assessment Of Socio-Cultural Factors Affecting The Promotion Girl-Child Education In Kogi State, Nigeria
Authors: Rafiu Ademola Olatoye (Phd) & Oluwatosin Motunrayo Kachi
Volume: 9
Issue: 5
Pages: 463-472
Publication Date: 2025/05/28
Abstract:
Despite growing global awareness, evidence continues to show lower female enrollment in schools. The issue of girl-child education remains a pressing global concern. This study investigated socio-cultural factors affecting the promotion of girl-child education in Kogi State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. A sample of 1,100 female senior secondary school students from 44 senior secondary schools participated in the study. Data were collected using the Socio-Cultural Factors Questionnaire (SCFQ) and the Attitude of Female Students Towards Education Questionnaire (AFSEQ). The greatest challenge faced by the girl-child was financial constraint, influenced by their socio-cultural environment (rank 1), followed by poverty (rank 2), and family roles (rank 3). The least significant challenges identified were sexual violence (rank 21), early marriage (rank 20), and gender-insensitive textbooks (rank 19). Sixty-eight students (6.1 percent) strongly agreed that society does not value girl-child education, 91 (8.2 percent) agreed, while 552 (49.7 percent) disagreed and 399 (35.9 percent) strongly disagreed. A significant negative relationship was found between socio-cultural factors and students' attitudes, indicating that the more a girl is affected by socio-cultural constraints, the lower her attitude toward education. Provision of financial assistance and scholarships for girls from low-income families, and the creation of safe, supportive learning environments-including mentorship and role models-will significantly aid in promoting girl-child education.