Child Trafficking in Nigeria

An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Free and Compulsory Basic Education as an Intervention Programme

Abstract

Among the most important factors responsible for the continued prevalence of the incidence of child trafficking in Nigeria are Poverty, ignorance, and inaccessible Educational opportunities. These factors are prevalent in very poor countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of the free and compulsory basic education (consisted in the universal Basic Education) programme in curbing child trafficking in Nigeria. The study was conducted in Ebonyi State of Nigeria, a state both labeled as educationally backward and source state of child trafficking. The design for the study is survey design. The likert scaling format, in-dept interviews, and focus group discussions were instruments for data collection. Documentary sources enabled a comparative evaluation. The study revealed that sufficiency and accessibility of educational opportunities are the most effective means of curbing child trafficking. The researcher, while not neglecting other important measures, recommends increased budgetary allocation to the education sector and very judicious use of same to promote human development.