EFFECTS OF EARLY MARRIAGE ON FEMALE STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ATTAINMENT IN JOS SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE

Abstract

This study examined the effects of early marriage on female students’ academic attainment in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. The researchers used descriptive survey research design. The design was suitable for the study since the data collected were from questionnaire students of secondary schools. The researcher raised 2 objectives and 2 research questions. A questionnaire of 15 items were designed and given to students in the selected junior secondary schools by the researcher for proper monitoring of the questions and further explained how the respondents will fill the questions. The researcher used 100 students. 100 questionnaires were given to the teachers and students of the study area. All the questionnaires were returned to the researcher for analyses. The mean, standard deviation and SPSS were used to analyze the research questions. The study revealed effects of Early Marriage on Female Students Academic Attainment include; Students dropped out of school due to child marriage, early marriage violates the rights of children with negative implications, early marriage leaves the child with little or no education and early marriage leads to early pregnancy and motherhood, which affects the education of girls in schools. The study recommended among others that there should be counseling unit with the responsibility of educating and enlightening the female students on academic issues by Ministry of education. Also, Policies concerning girl child education should be strictly followed by the government to create awareness the effects of early marriage.