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 communitybased 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.

Keywords: Girl-child education, parental demographic variables, enrolment, retention, progression, guidance and counselling, Nigeria