Women and Girls Access to Quality Education Services

Gender Inequality in Education: A Major Challenge in Nigeria
Globally, girls account for 54% of the 244 million children out of school, with Nigeria contributing significantly to this crisis (UNICEF, 2023). Nationally, 10 million Nigerian girls are out of school, primarily due to poverty, cultural norms, early marriage, and inadequate funding—education received less than 6% of the 2023 budget, far below UNESCO's 15-20% recommendation (BudgIT, 2023).

Regional Disparities

Northern states face severe challenges:

  • Kebbi State: Only 28% of girls complete primary school due to early marriage and societal norms (NDHS, 2022).
  • Sokoto State: Female literacy is just 19%, compared to the national average of 52% (NBS, 2022)

Barriers in Rural Areas

Rural communities face acute obstacles, including:

  • Infrastructure: Poor or nonexistent schools force long commutes, risking dropouts and
    violence.
  • Teacher Shortages: Overcrowded classrooms, with ratios up to 1:80, limit
    quality education (UBEC, 2023).
  • Cultural Norms: Gender roles and early marriage prevent many girls from
    continuing their education.
  • Economic Struggles: Families prioritize boys’ education due to financial
    constraints.
  • Insecurity: Conflict and banditry deter school attendance, especially for girls.

NANA: Advancing Education in Sokoto & Kebbi

NANA is committed to improving education access, especially for marginalized children and girls, by tackling key barriers to gender equality and inclusion.

Our Focus Areas:

  • Advocacy & Community Engagement – Challenging cultural norms that hinder girls’ education.
  • Girls’ Education Support – Providing scholarships, learning materials, and financial aid.
  • Teacher Training – Enhancing teaching quality for inclusive learning.
    School Infrastructure – Promoting safe, gender-friendly schools.
  • Almajiri Education Integration – Merging Qur’anic and formal schooling.
  • Student Safety & Protection – Implementing safe-school initiatives.

Our Goals:

  • Increase school enrollment and retention.
  • Improve learning outcomes and gender equality.
  • Strengthen community involvement and school safety.

Together, we are shaping a future of inclusive, quality education.

Our Programs