This landmark baseline report provides critical insights into the educational realities of girls in Adamawa State, Nigeria, specifically across Maiha, Numan, and Song Local Government Areas. Commissioned as part of the Community-led Collective Action for Girls’ Education (C-CAGE) project and supported by the Malala Fund, the study maps the systemic, cultural, and economic barriers that have kept hundreds of thousands of girls out of school.

With over 459,000 out-of-school girls reported in Adamawa alone, the research reveals the intersection of insecurity, gender norms, early marriage, poor infrastructure, and poverty as persistent obstacles to girls’ access to quality education. The report draws on quantitative surveys and community-level consultations to capture the lived experiences of girls, parents, teachers, and local stakeholders.

Beyond diagnosing the challenges, the study offers a strategic framework for change, emphasizing the power of community-led advocacy, school-level interventions, and gender-responsive policy engagement. It advocates for the active involvement of traditional and religious leaders, the strengthening of School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), and the implementation of inclusive education plans aligned with national frameworks.

This report is an essential foundation for programme design, advocacy, and policy dialogue aimed at advancing gender equity in education. It is a vital resource for government actors, civil society organizations, development partners, and educators committed to transforming educational access for girls in Northeast Nigeria and beyond.