IGWEBUIKE: African Journal of Arts and Humanities

Education is a fundamental human right and a key driver of sustainable development. Investing in girls’ education is considered the highest investment any nation can make, which yields significant returns. In Nigeria, about 7.6 million girls are out of school (OOS). This study examines the significance of religious advocacy and stakeholders’ engagement in advancing girl-child education in Nigeria. The study used a qualitative method to review and analyze relevant materials on the subject matter. The findings, among others, reveal that despite various efforts put in place by the Nigerian governments and non-governmental agencies in ensuring equal access to education for girls, gender inequality in education is still prevalent in the country. Factors such as poverty, early marriage, and cultural norms have been identified as critical barriers to girl-child education in Nigeria. In addition to other measures to ensure equal access to education for the girl-child, the study recommends religious advocacy and engagement that meaningfully engages the various religious leaders, bodies, and groups in the country. With such committed engagement in place, the study envisaged a reorientation and change in attitudes that would help dismantle the socio-cultural and religious ideologies that discourage girl-child education and ensure gender parity in education in Nigeria.

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