Teenage pregnancy remains a pressing public health issue in Nigeria, with recent data showing that Kebbi, Zamfara, and Kaduna have the highest rates among adolescent girls. The trend highlights a stark divide between northern and southern states, pointing to deeper social and educational challenges.

The 2025 State of Health of the Nation Report, released in Abuja, examined adolescent reproductive health nationwide. It found that about 32 percent of girls aged 15 to 19 in Kebbi have been pregnant, the highest in the country, while Zamfara and Kaduna followed closely with around 30 percent. In contrast, southern states such as Lagos and Edo recorded far lower rates, at roughly three percent.

Experts say the difference is linked to access to education, reproductive health services, and social support. Girls in areas with limited schooling and health resources face higher risks of early pregnancy, which can lead to school dropout, health complications, and longer-term economic challenges.

The report shows that education is a major protective factor. Teenage pregnancy rates drop sharply with higher levels of schooling, from 34 percent among girls with no education to just about four percent among those who go beyond secondary school. This demonstrates how keeping girls in school can change the trajectory of their lives.

Also Read: Drug shortages, funding cuts threaten Nigeria’s fight against neglected tropical diseases

Beyond reproductive health, the report also highlighted progress in menstrual hygiene. Most adolescent girls now have the ability to wash and change privately at home, and almost all use appropriate menstrual materials. These improvements may seem small, but they matter for daily life and school attendance.

However, there are growing concerns about mental health and substance use. Secondary school students are increasingly experimenting with alcohol and drugs, including tramadol and cannabis. Depression and anxiety remain common among adolescents and young people aged 10 to 24, a group that makes up nearly one-third of Nigeria’s population.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has also raised concerns about child welfare more broadly. Around 70 percent of schools and 88 perecnt of health facilities in Nigeria lack access to basic sanitation. This compounds health risks and makes it harder for young people, especially girls, to stay in school.

UNICEF stresses that domestic investment in education and child welfare is crucial. Relying on foreign aid alone is not sustainable. The organisation points out that Nigeria accounts for more than one-third of the 57 million out-of-school children in West and Central Africa. Expanding access through distance learning, radio programs, and skills-based initiatives could help address the crisis.

The report paints a clear picture that teenage pregnancy is not just a health issue. It affects education, social well-being, and future opportunities. Tackling it will require coordinated action in schools, communities, and health services, especially in high-risk northern states.

Meiza Nigeria