EXAMINING IMPLICATIONS OF EARLY MARRIAGE ON GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF TEENAGERS IN BAUCHI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA.

ABSTRACT The study examined implications of early marriage on growth and development of teenagers in Bauchi Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Early marriage refers to the practice of marrying individuals below the age of 18, which has significant implications for sustainable growth and development. Bauchi Local Government, located in northern Nigeria, has witnessed a high prevalence of early marriage among teenagers. The study used cognitive dissonance theory and Health Belief Model (HBM), it is also the research employed the descriptive survey research method which enhanced the achievement of the study objectives. The used of descriptive survey is most appropriate for a work of this nature. The result revealed that child marriage to be common among poor families due to a lack of motivation or resources to invest in the future. The study found that teenage marriage contributes to higher rates of maternal and infant mortality, hinders personal development, leads to limited economic prospects, and increases domestic violence. Based on the findings the study concluded that it should highlight the strategies for mitigating teenage marriage, including comprehensive sex education, economic support, affordable health care services, awareness-raising, and vocational skills. Based on the findings, it is recommended that policymakers and stakeholders in the region prioritize the implementation of strategies for mitigating teenage marriage, including comprehensive sex education, economic support, affordable health care services, awareness-raising, and vocational skills. Based on the search further areas of study examining the causes, consequences of marital failures among teenage couples in Bauchi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria.