THE IMPACT OF EARLY MARRIAGE ON ADOLESCENT EDUCATIONAL AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES IN BAUCHI METROPOLIS

The study examined the impact of early marriage on adolescent educational and economic opportunities in Bauchi metropolis, Bauchi LGA. Early marriage is a human rights violation and a harmful practice that unreasonably affects girls around the globe, preventing them from living their lives free from all forms of violence. Against the study between three objectives in which to identify the causes of early marriage among adolescent in Bauchi Metropolis, to determine the effect of early marriage on adolescent development in Bauchi Metropolis and to find out the solutions to the problems of early marriage in Bauchi Metropolis. The study employed Radical Feminist theory in understanding the topic under study. The study adopted survey research design using questionnaire with a sample size of Four Hundred and Five respondents (405). The result found that sexual and physical violence, threat to human rights and girl child well-being, marital rape and emotional abuse, loneliness and depression, early birth and miscarriage. The study concluded that cultural traditions, religious beliefs, poverty, and low levels of education are the primary drivers that lead to early marriages among teenagers. These factors pressure young girls into early unions, often without their consent or understanding of the long-term consequences. Based on the findings the study recommended that campaigns should focus on the negative impact early marriage has on adolescent health, education, and personal development. Keywords: Early Marriage, Adolescent, Education, Socio-Economic Development and Health