INFLUENCE OF PARENTAL DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES ON GIRLCHILD ENROLMENT RETENTION AND PROGRESSION IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL IN NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study investigated the Influence of Parental Demographic Variables on Girl-Child Enrolment Retention and Progression 
in Senior Secondary School in Nigeria. Despite increased national and global advocacy for gender equity in education, the 
academic participation of girls remains hindered by parental factors such as educational level, occupation, income, marital 
status, and religious affiliation. Anchored on Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and Gender and Development 
(GAD) Theory, the study adopts a descriptive survey design and draws insights from relevant literature and field data. The 
findings reveal that low parental education, unstable income, single-parent households, and restrictive cultural or religious 
beliefs significantly impede girls’ access to and continuity in formal education. The study underscores the need for community
based awareness, economic empowerment programmes, and targeted policy enforcement to mitigate these barriers. It also 
highlights the critical role of guidance and counselling in addressing the socio-economic disparities that affect girl-child 
education. The implications for sustainable development and gender-inclusive educational planning are discussed.