HARNESSING GIRL CHILD EDUCATION TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF POVERTY IN NIGERIA

Authors

  • Geraldine Ejiaka Nzeribe Economics Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka.
  • Modesta Akunede Economics Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka.
  • Uju Regina Ezenekwe Economics Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka.

Keywords:

Girl-child education, poverty reduction, human capital, ARDL, Nigeria, structural inequality JEL Classification Codes: I25, I32, J16, O15

Abstract

Poverty remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria, driven by structural inequalities, limited 
access to quality education, and gender disparities. This study investigates the impact of girl
child education on poverty reduction in Nigeria from 2000 to 2023 using the Autoregressive 
Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach. Guided by the Structural Theory of Poverty, the analysis 
draws on data from UNESCO, WDI, NBS, and CBN. Findings reveal that a 1% increase in 
female enrolment at the tertiary level reduces poverty by 3.8%, while improvements in human 
capital and government effectiveness further enhance this relationship. The study concludes 
that expanding access to girl-child education is a critical policy lever for breaking 
intergenerational cycles of poverty and achieving sustainable development. It recommends 
gender-inclusive education reforms, enhanced governance, and targeted investments in rural 
and conflict-affected regions. 

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Published

2026-03-18

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Economic Studies (JES), March; ISSN 1119-2259

Section

Articles