Editor’s note: This is a compilation of girls’ voices from communities we have worked in across multiple projects mostly aimed at strengthening the agency of women and girls and rights to Education.
In Nigeria, national debt has grown to historic levels, placing immense pressure on public resources and deepening economic instability. While these challenges are often discussed in abstract or fiscal terms, their real cost is borne by ordinary citizens, especially girls. These stories, gathered from girls in 4 communities from across kaduna state, reveal how debt-related cuts to education funding, inflation, and strained social services directly shape their daily lives. Through their voices, we see the consequences of underfunded schools, overwhelmed healthcare systems, and rising costs of living realities that push many girls out of classrooms and into cycles of poverty. These personal accounts offer a powerful call to action: for debt to be managed with transparency, and for public investments to prioritize the rights and futures of girls.
Aisha, 19, from Nasarawa Community, Kaduna State shares how national debt and economic instability have affected her education and the lives of girls in her community.
“I’m in SS1 at Government Secondary School, Nasarawa. When we moved here from Rigasa, my parents weren’t sure if they could afford to keep me in school. I was enrolled through the advocacy and presence of Education as a Vaccine program supported by Malala Fund. But now I am in school the challenges remain, our classrooms are overcrowded, books are few, and materials are lacking. The government says we should learn and that it’s free, but where are the resources to help us learn? Many of my friends have given up because they simply cannot keep up with the lack of materials and small levies. It’s hard to stay motivated when you feel like you’re struggling too much.”
“Many girls are dropping out, not because they don’t want to learn, but because the struggle is too much. My own family is struggling. I still have 4 younger siblings who are still in school. My parents try their best, but with the rising cost of living and economic instability, there’s barely enough money for food, let alone school fees. Every day is a choice between putting food on the table and paying for our education. Sometimes, my family asks me to help with household chores or to look after my younger siblings because I am the first child, instead of going to school. I can see how this might lead to other girls dropping out, too.”
“It’s not just school. When our hospitals don’t have money, girls suffer more. We lack awareness about our health and safety. Some girls marry early or get pregnant without understanding the risks. It’s like our future is being taken away, bit by bit.”
“I want to become a teacher or a doctor, but that dream feels far away. Some girls I know have already been married off. I may be next after secondary school. But I’m determined to finish school and make a difference. We need the government to reduce debt and prioritize education. Our futures depend on it.”
Zainab, 19, from Bomo Community explains how national debt and rising costs are undermining educational opportunities for girls in her community.
“We hear the government keeps taking loans, but we don’t see improvements in our schools. No books, no chairs, even water is a problem. Our teachers aren’t paid on time, so they stop coming to school. I had to stop my education after junior secondary because my parents couldn’t afford it.”
“Now, food is expensive. We pay VAT on everything. My father lost his job and now borrows from relatives just to pay rent. We heard about scholarships, but to access them you need to prove your parents pay taxes. What about families like mine who can’t even afford basic meals?”
“My mother went to the health center recently, and they had no malaria drugs. She had to go to a private pharmacy instead. It’s the same in school – no electricity, no doors, nothing. This national debt is not just a number. It’s real, and it’s making life harder every day.”
“My father wants me to marry so I can ease the burden on the family. But I want to go to university. I want to be more. The government needs to stop the borrowing and help poor families. Girls deserve a chance.”
Habiba, 20, from Rido community, reflects on how national debt indirectly limits girls’ educational opportunities and community wellbeing.
“People think loans will help build roads and schools. But it looks like the money we use to repay these loans takes away from things like health and education especially for us girls. My school has overcrowded classrooms, no labs, and no proper toilets. We pay for uniforms and books even though it’s supposed to be free.”
“I know bright girls who dropped out – not because they failed, but because their families couldn’t afford school materials. Some are now selling goods on the street. Others have been married off.”
“When there are no pads or clean water, girls miss school. When girls are abused and have no support system, they stay silent. These are how we are paying the costs of debt – when services disappear, girls disappear from school too.”
“Debt is creating economic problems. Our families can’t plan for tomorrow, so they sacrifice girls’ education today. We’re asking for basic dignity – books, toilets, and safety. We deserve that much. And we deserve to know where the borrowed money goes.”
Hauwa, 21, recounts how economic hardship led to her early marriage and halted her education.
“I loved school, especially maths and science. I wanted to be a nurse. But when my father’s business collapsed, things changed. Food prices rose. Rent increased. My parents had to choose between us kids. They chose my brothers. I had to drop out and later got married. It wasn’t because they didn’t love me but we had to survive. This happens a lot in our community. Girls are the first to be sacrificed when things get tough.”
Our classrooms are overcrowded. We sit on the floor. I’ve heard of programs like AGILE that support girls, but many still don’t reach us.
To the leaders, I say: don’t just talk about development, invest in girls. Our future is your future.”
Debt is taking money away from education. Even if Kaduna’s budget says 26% goes to education, the reality is different. If we keep spending on debt, what’s left for girls? Girls need support, especially when periods come and there are no pads or private toilets. Without proper social services, education becomes impossible. And without education, we stay poor. That’s the cycle debt creates.