THE ENROLMENT OF CHILDREN IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN BORNO STATE: IMPLICATIONS FOR ACHIEVING MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS ON EDUCATION.

Abstract

This study investigated the enrolment of children in primary schools in Borno State of Nigeria. The official records for registration and enrolment of primary school pupils in Borno State were derived from National Bureau of Statistics under Social Statistics in Nigeria, 2009. The study was conducted for the period of five years, 2004 to 2008 academic sessions. The proportions of children in primary schools were categorized into male (boys) and female (girls). In Borno State, 568,668 pupils were enrolled in primary schools in 2004, while 585,812 pupils enrolled in 2005. A total number of 535,707 children were registered in 2006 and 523,010 in 2007. In 2008, 496,912 enrollees registered in primary schools in Borno State. Data was analyzed by using simple percentage scores of boys and girls registered in the state. The findings revealed a higher enrolment rates of male children than female. The study found a poor enrolment trend and status of children in primary schools in Borno State. The staggering trend and status of children enrolments in primary schools in the state is critical to the completion rates, gender equality and quality outcomes of their education by the year 2015. Therefore, male and female children should be afforded equal opportunity and access to quality education. Cultural practices, such as early marriages and engagement of the girl- child in economic activities should be discouraged in order to facilitate the completion of quality education by the girl-child.