By: Praise T. Oluwasina
In every society, a quiet neglect lingers,
The boy child, strong and self-sufficient in our eyes,
Carries the weight, the burden of unspoken expectations,
Alone.
We raise banners for the girl child,
A battle worth fighting, a cause most just,
Yet in our fervor, we leave the boy,
To “figure it out,” to find his way,
With no hand to guide, no voice to steady.
In Nigeria, this neglect has deepened,
We press forward for one,
While the other stumbles,
Worn by societal pressures,
Bruised by silent mental battles,
And a lack of the support he, too, deserves.
The Neglect of the Boy-child
In Nigeria, the conversation around gender inequality has predominantly focused on the empowerment of the girl child. While this is crucial and necessary, the boy child has increasingly been left in the shadows. Society tends to assume that the boy child will somehow “figure it out,” leading to a dangerous gap in support and guidance. As we push forward with girl child advocacy (which must continue), it’s important to address the practical approaches to ensure the boy child also has the support and opportunities to thrive in today’s rapidly changing world.
The State of the Nigerian Boy-child
The Nigerian boy child is increasingly facing alarming educational challenges that threaten his future and the well-being of the nation. According to a UNICEF report, boys in parts of Nigeria are dropping out of school at a higher rate than girls. This disparity is particularly stark in Northern Nigeria, where the dropout rate for boys stood at 36% in 2021, compared to 29% for girls. In the Southern region, the gap is smaller but still concerning, with 27% of boys dropping out compared to 18% of girls. These numbers expose a troubling trend of boys slipping through the cracks of the educational system. While efforts to improve girl child education are yielding positive results, the boy child is being left behind, creating a widening gap in educational opportunities.
The consequences of this educational neglect are far-reaching. Youth unemployment in Nigeria is on the rise, with the National Bureau of Statistics reporting that 60% of youth aged 15-34 are unemployed, and boys make up the majority of this demographic. As more boys leave school without proper qualifications or skills, they become ill-prepared to enter the workforce. The lack of job opportunities for uneducated boys often leads them down a dangerous path of crime, substance abuse, and antisocial behavior. These young men, who could have been contributors to society, find themselves trapped in cycles of poverty and frustration.
This growing crisis has serious implications for Nigeria’s future. Without urgent intervention, the boy child risks becoming a lost generation, unable to participate meaningfully in the economy or contribute to nation-building. The ripple effects will be felt across communities as crime rates increase, social instability deepens, and poverty becomes further entrenched. If Nigeria is to secure its future, a concerted effort must be made to address the educational and employment needs of boys, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and opportunities necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
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He is not invincible,
Not a statue carved from stone,
But flesh and spirit, in need of care,
For true balance cannot be won,
When only half the story is heard.
Why Boy Child Advocacy is Critical Now
The urgency of boy-child advocacy cannot be overstated. Boys, much like girls, are susceptible to societal pressures that mold their sense of identity and self-worth. However, the narrative often placed on boys is one of emotional suppression—“man up,” they are told, to face challenges alone. This cultural expectation, while often seen as fostering resilience, becomes a double-edged sword. Emotional intelligence, a skill increasingly valued in today’s world, is stifled in boys from an early age. A report by UNICEF highlights that mental health challenges among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa are rising, with boys less likely to seek help than girls. This suppressed vulnerability can hinder their growth, limiting their ability to thrive in environments that demand empathy and adaptability.
The neglect of the boy child is not just a personal issue; it has far-reaching societal implications. Studies show that boys who grow up without emotional guidance are at higher risk of dropping out of school and engaging in delinquent behavior. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the crime rate in Nigeria has a significant correlation with unemployment, lack of education, and poor social support systems. When boys are deprived of emotional education and left to navigate the complexities of life on their own, many fall into cycles of violence, crime, and poverty. This neglect fuels a societal pattern that disrupts peace and stability, ultimately impeding the nation’s progress.
If this neglect continues, the consequences will be felt across generations. Boys who grow into men with unresolved emotional issues, inadequate education, and limited skills will struggle to function as productive members of society. Their frustrations may manifest as domestic violence, substance abuse, or perpetuation of criminal activities, deepening the insecurity and poverty within their communities. A study by the World Bank shows that investing in the emotional and mental well-being of young people can result in long-term economic growth, reducing poverty by as much as 30%. It is clear that boy child advocacy is not only a moral imperative but a critical step toward building a more secure, stable, and prosperous future for Nigeria.
*******
As we push for equality,
Let us not forget the boy child,
His quiet struggles, his hidden tears,
Deserve our attention,
So that all may thrive,
Girl and boy,
Equal under the sun.
Practical Measures for Boy Child Advocacy
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Education Reform: Keeping Boys in School
The first step to addressing the boy child problem is ensuring access to quality education. Boy child advocacy organizations must work in tandem with the Nigerian government to push for policies that make education attractive and engaging for boys. Practical steps include:
Vocational Training:
Many boys feel disengaged with traditional academic pathways, leading to high dropout rates. Vocational programs that teach practical skills—such as carpentry, auto repair, and digital literacy—can be a powerful alternative for boys who feel left out of formal schooling.
Mentorship Programs:
Boys need role models who can guide them through the challenges of adolescence and early adulthood. Establishing mentorship programs, where older men mentor young boys, can provide guidance and encouragement to stay in school and pursue productive lives.
Financial Support for Boys:
Scholarships and financial assistance programs should not only focus on the girl child. Many boys, especially in rural areas, drop out of school due to financial constraints. Advocacy groups should ensure that financial aid programs extend to boys to give them equal opportunities for education.
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Rebuilding Emotional Foundations: Mental Health Support
Boys are often conditioned to hide their emotions, which can lead to severe mental health issues. Advocacy groups must:
Encourage Emotional Expression:
Organizations should conduct workshops and community-based programs that teach boys the importance of expressing their emotions in healthy ways. This can help reduce rates of depression and substance abuse among boys.
Access to Therapy:
Mental health services should be made available to boys, particularly those who have experienced trauma or hardship. Partnering with mental health organizations to provide free or affordable counseling could be a game-changer for boys in crisis.
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Curbing Substance Abuse and Crime through Rehabilitation
With the rise of unemployment and social instability, many boys turn to crime and substance abuse. It’s crucial to take a proactive approach in this area by:
Creating Rehabilitation Centers:
Advocacy organizations can work with local governments to create rehabilitation centers specifically for boys and young men. These centers should focus not just on treating addiction, but also on vocational training and psychological support to help boys reintegrate into society.
Engaging with the Community:
Community involvement is key in keeping boys off the streets. Initiatives that engage boys in sports, arts, and community service can channel their energy into productive outlets. Advocacy groups can collaborate with local leaders to organize regular community events that offer boys a sense of belonging and purpose.
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The Role of Family and Society
No advocacy for the boy child can succeed without addressing the role of the family unit and society at large. Traditionally, Nigerian families place great emphasis on the education and protection of the girl child while assuming that boys can fend for themselves. This mindset needs to shift, and practical steps must include:
Parental Education:
Advocacy organizations should focus on educating parents about the importance of nurturing the boy child’s emotional and intellectual needs. Parents must be taught that their boys require as much guidance and care as their girls, especially during adolescence.
Breaking Gender Stereotypes:
Society at large needs to dismantle the harmful stereotypes that define masculinity as toughness, detachment, and emotional distance. Schools, churches, mosques, and media outlets should promote a more inclusive definition of masculinity that values empathy, responsibility, and emotional intelligence.
Dearest, boy-child advocacy is not about diminishing the progress made for girls but about ensuring that boys are not left behind. Nigeria’s future depends on the empowerment of all its youth, male and female alike. Advocacy organizations must take practical steps to address the unique challenges facing boys today. From educational reform to mental health support and family involvement, the boy child must be given the tools he needs to thrive in a modern, competitive world.
This is not just a call for advocacy, but for action. The boy child is not just the future; he is the present, and our collective investment in him will define the Nigeria of tomorrow.
