Research Article

MULTIDIMENSIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL DISENGAGEMENT: PERCEPTIONS, MOTIVATIONS, AND REENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Rukayya Aliyu SHEHU1*, Maryam TANIMU2, Hauwa Haruna ABDULLAHI1
1 Department of Home Economics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
2 Federal Government Girls College, Zaria
* Corresponding author: rukayya.saliyu@gmail.com
Published: Dec, 2025
Pages: 105-112
Views: 11
Downloads: 7

Abstract

The study titled, Multidimensional Assessment of Educational Disengagement: Perceptions, Motivations, andRe-Engagement Strategies for Out-of-School Children in Northern Nigeria provided critical insights into thefactors influencing educational disengagement and potential strategies for re-engagement. The study wasguided by four objectives and four corresponding research questions. A descriptive survey research design wasused for the study. The population comprised 60,000 Out-of-School Children. A stratified random samplingtechnique was used to select 384 sample size using Cochran’s formula. The instrument used for data collectionwas an open-ended questionnaire titled OOSC, which had four sections with 29 items on the perceptions,motivations and challenges of out-of-school children. Data was analysed using frequency, percentages andcorrelation statistics. The results of the study revealed that 70% of out-of-school children are motivated toreturn to school upon seeing others succeed through education, while 68% are interested in vocational orskills-based training programs, and 63% identified financial aid as a major motivating factor. Challenges toaccessing education include financial difficulties (72%), safety concerns such as bullying (55%), and resourcedeficiencies in schools (52%), with 50% facing family responsibilities that prevent school attendance.Proposed strategies for re-engagement include financial incentives (72%), integrating vocational training intocurricula (65%), flexible school schedules (64%), and improving school facilities (59%). The study thereforeconcluded that there is a need for a multifaceted approach involving financial support, curriculum reform,infrastructure development, and flexible learning options to address the barriers faced by out-of-schoolchildren and to foster their reintegration into formal education. The study recommended that Policymakers andstakeholders should develop targeted interventions by incorporating vocational and life-skills training into thecurriculum to make education more appealing and relevant to children’s future aspirations. State governmentsshould be organising community sensitisation programs to educate parents and community leaders on the longtermbenefits of education, which can help reduce cultural barriers. Government and Non- Non-GovernmentalOrganisations should help address economic barriers through financial incentives, as it remains one of themost effective strategies for re-engagement.

Keywords

Perceptions Motivations Challenges Out-of-School Children

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How to Cite

SHEHU, R. A., TANIMU, M., & ABDULLAHI, H. H. (2025). MULTIDIMENSIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL DISENGAGEMENT: PERCEPTIONS, MOTIVATIONS, AND REENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NORTHERN NIGERIA. Journal of Educational Research and Development, 20(2), 105-112.

R. A. SHEHU, M. TANIMU, and H. H. ABDULLAHI, "MULTIDIMENSIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL DISENGAGEMENT: PERCEPTIONS, MOTIVATIONS, AND REENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NORTHERN NIGERIA," Journal of Educational Research and Development, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 105-112, December 2025.

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