Gender Disparities in Educational Attainment across Northern Nigeria: A Comparative Analysis

Gender disparities in educational attainment persist across Northern Nigeria, affecting both girls and boys but more significantly women. The research employed a mixed-methods approach involving both quantitative data from national surveys and qualitative interviews with teachers and parents. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Girls in Northern Nigeria are less likely to attend school compared to boys (65% vs. 72%) but more likely to complete primary education (80% vs. 74%). The findings highlight significant gender disparities, particularly among girls, who face challenges such as early marriage and lack of access to educational resources. Interventions targeting early childhood education and addressing cultural barriers are recommended to improve the educational attainment of girls in Northern Nigeria.