PROBLEM OF PREGNANCY AND ABORTION IN GIRL CHILD EDUCATION (KIBIYA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KANO STATE)

ABSTRACT

This study examines the impact of adolescent pregnancy and abortion on girls' education in Kibiya Local Government Area (LGA), Kano State, Nigeria. In rural regions like Kibiya, socio-cultural norms, economic challenges, and limited access to reproductive health information significantly affect girls’ educational attainment, often exacerbated by adolescent pregnancy. Through a descriptive survey research design, data was gathered from 121 adolescent girls, providing insights into how pregnancy influences educational continuity, as well as the socio-cultural and economic factors contributing to adolescent pregnancy and abortion. The findings reveal that adolescent pregnancy frequently leads to educational disruption, with many affected girls either temporarily or permanently dropping out of school, and others experiencing significant declines in academic performance. Key contributing factors to the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy include societal expectations of early marriage, lack of comprehensive sex education, and limited access to family planning resources. These issues are compounded by community norms that prioritize early marriage and childbearing over education, limiting girls' opportunities for academic and personal development. The study also explores potential interventions to support the educational continuity of affected girls. Recommendations include implementing flexible schooling policies, providing counseling and financial support, introducing daycare facilities, and offering comprehensive sex education. Community engagement initiatives are also suggested to raise awareness and challenge cultural norms that hinder girls’ educational progress. By addressing these barriers through a multi-faceted approach involving schools, families, health providers, and community leaders, it is possible to reduce the negative impact of adolescent pregnancy on girls' education in Kibiya LGA. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on adolescent pregnancy and education, highlighting the need for targeted policies and community support systems that prioritize girls' education and promote reproductive health awareness. The findings underscore the importance of creating an educational environment that accommodates young mothers and empowers girls with the resources to make informed choices, ultimately fostering gender equality and socio-economic development in rural Nigeria.