Northern Nigeria?s high gender inequity in education places the majority of young girls at a severe
disadvantage. This cross-sectional study examined enrolment, dropout, and primary school completion rates
in three communities in Kaduna State. Less than half of young people (6 – 25 years) living in northern
Nigeria are currently enrolled in school and the majority of students are males (60%). This study?s findings
indicate there are nearly twice as many boys graduating from primary school as compared to girls, and the
dropout rate for boys is close to half (3%) of the dropout rate for girls (5.4%). Sustained imputs are needed
to boost female enrolment in junior secondary schools, create girl-friendly school environments, and to better
enable communities to understand the value of girls' education.