
Thesis Defence: It Takes a Village: Motivation and School Completion in Northern Nigeria
March 5 at 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Busola Akinbobola, supervised by Dr. Lynn Bosetti, will defend their thesis titled “It Takes a Village: Motivation and School Completion in Northern Nigeria” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Education.
An abstract for Busola Akinbobola’s thesis is included below.
Defences are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Registration is not required for in-person defences.
ABSTRACT
This thesis explores the factors motivating students in Northern Nigeria to continue engaging with and valuing education, focusing on reducing the number of out-of-school children (OOSC). While much of the existing research emphasizes barriers to education, this study shifts attention to the drivers of student retention and the broader implications for educational policy and practice. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through focus group interviews with students from a local government area in Northern Nigeria. The study investigated key questions, including why students attend school, their families’ perspectives on education, the barriers they face, and the factors that sustain their commitment to schooling despite challenges.
The findings highlight that education is perceived as both a personal and societal asset, shaped by the interplay of familial support, personal determination, and external influences. One of the most significant conclusions is the pivotal role of family and community support in motivating students to pursue education. Students often view education as a means of supporting their families and giving back to their communities. Familial value of education, emotional and financial support, and encouragement from community members and role models form the foundation for students’ aspirations. Additionally, students expressed a belief in the transformative potential of education for improving their socio-economic circumstances and challenging societal inequalities.
This research contributes to the literature by shifting the focus from barriers to motivators, providing actionable insights into the dynamics that sustain student retention in Northern Nigeria. By highlighting the interplay between individual motivation and communal support, this study offers a holistic perspective on addressing the challenges of OOSC in Northern Nigeria. It advocates for a collaborative approach to creating sustainable solutions for improving educational access and retention.