Faith Ikpomosa USI

Teenage pregnancy refers to pregnancy occurring in girls under the age of 18. According to Sambo (2019), it is often unwanted, unplanned, and occurs outside of marriage. One contributing factor is early physical maturity, which varies among individuals and is often accompanied by the onset of menstruation. Ede (2016) noted that a physically mature adolescent girl may become aware of her attractiveness to the opposite sex. This awareness, combined with a lack of proper social training and self-discipline, may lead her to view sexual activity as a means of social, emotional, or financial gratification, ultimately resulting in pregnancy. Ede further emphasized that teenage pregnancy is a pressing issue due to the overwhelming challenges that young people face regarding sexual matters. Additionally, teenage pregnancy may result from sexual abuse, a prevalent issue in society today. Nwoke (2018) highlighted that children who experience abuse at an early age may struggle with emotional trauma throughout their lives. Beyond its impact on sexual health, abuse can also hinder personal development and autonomy. Various factors contribute to the prevalence of teenage pregnancy worldwide, differing across time and regions.

Teenage pregnancy remains a critical social issue that significantly affects the educational development of the girl child, particularly in urban areas such as Benin City, Nigeria. This study examines the causes, prevalence, and consequences of teenage pregnancy and its impact on girls’ access to and participation in education. The research identifies key contributing factors such as inadequate sex education, poverty, peer pressure, and poor parental guidance. The study further highlights the major educational challenges faced by pregnant teenagers, including school dropout, poor academic performance, interrupted learning, and social stigma. These challenges often result in limited opportunities for higher education and future employment, thereby perpetuating cycles of poverty and gender inequality. Using a descriptive research approach, data were gathered from secondary sources including journals, reports, and relevant literature. The findings reveal that teenage pregnancy has a significantly negative effect on the educational attainment of the girl child in Benin City