Borno Girl Chooses Marriage Over Education Amid Hardship

A 16-year-old girl from Borno State, whose name is withheld, revealed in an exclusive interview that she chose marriage over staying at home due to economic realities affecting her family. After her family relocated to Maiduguri following the demolition of their home by the state government for a flyover project, she dropped out of school after completing Junior Secondary School (JSS) 3.

The girl stated that she was not coerced into marriage but faced two options: stay home without schooling or marry. She chose marriage, believing it would provide a better future.

She mentioned that her husband promised to support her return to school, but she remains uncertain about this. Umi Bukar, the program director of Page Initiative, emphasized the need for stronger laws to ensure every child completes secondary education, particularly for girls who often face the option of dropping out for marriage.

She called for government action to improve access to education in rural communities.