School Choice and Learning Outcomes in Two States in North Nigeria

We study school choice and learning outcomes in Bauchi and Kaduna, two Northern Nigerian states with high out-of-school rates. Surveys reveal that most children are enrolled in some form of education, including unrecognized Quranic and Islamic schools, and banned homeschooling. Learning outcomes reveal below average performance across all sectors. However, privately managed schools have a slight edge over publicly managed schools in numeracy and literacy, but not in Hausa and socio-emotional tests after controlling for their background. Privately managed schools are associated with increased parental satisfaction, and greater parental preference. We recommend the government to officially recognize non-formal education providers.