BOKO HARAM TERRORISM, THE GIRL CHILD AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NORTH-EAST NIGERIA

Abstract

The study interrogates the link between Boko Haram terrorism and sustainable development in North-East region of the Nigerian state. Although a good number of associated literatures have highlighted the challenges of Boko Haram on sustainable development especially in the North-East region of Nigeria. However, the conversations appear to have underemphasized its implications on gender equality in the region. Thus, the study is aimed at filling this gap. The researcher employed the application of the relative deprivation theory. The framework see deprivation as a condition creating fertile grounds for recruitment of youths into violence/Boko Haram terrorist organization. The study was purely qualitative relying mainly on documentary reports. Data was gathered through secondary source and analysis were done through a historical and institutional process. Findings of the study showed that Boko Haram impacts negatively on education, particularly on the girl child as it deters them from enjoying quality education vis-à-vis their male counterparts and this impacts significantly on gender inequality in North-East Nigeria. Strengthening security networks to put an end to terrorism in North-East region of Nigeria, educating the populace to understand the role of women in nation building and development through mass media campaigns, the need for more gender equality campaigns by balancing the role of men and women, boys and girls in development planning/processes are recommended as the most likely means to curtail the challenges of Boko Haram as it affects girl child schooling and by extension gender equality.