BOOKS OVER BOYS CAMPAIGN INTENSIFIES EFFORTS TO REDUCE TEEN PREGNANCY AND KEEP GIRLS IN SCHOOL

Across Nigeria, teenage pregnancy remains one of the leading causes of school dropout among adolescent girls. According to national data, thousands of girls leave school every year due to unplanned pregnancies, early marriages, and lack of access to accurate information and guidance. In communities like Otukpo in Benue State, the numbers continue to rise, putting girls’ dreams, safety, and education at serious risk.

In response to this growing concern, Beyond the Classroom Foundation launched the Books Over Boys Campaign in May 2025 in the FCT. The campaign was designed as a preventive intervention, shifting away from the usual reactive approach of supporting girls only after they become pregnant. Instead, it equips girls with knowledge, confidence, and strong decision-making skills before they fall into situations that threaten their education.

Since its launch, the campaign has reached over 10,000 girls across 5 states in Nigeria, delivering honest conversations on education, self-worth, and avoiding distractions that could derail their future. The impact has been massive, with schools and communities requesting the campaign in areas where teenage pregnancies and dropouts are high.

On Tuesday, 18th November 2025, the movement arrived in Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Otukpo, Benue State, where 55 teenage girls participated in an engaging book reading session under the Books Over Boys banner.

The session was led by Christie Onogwu, who has been instrumental in expanding the campaign to new communities. She brought the initiative to Benue to reach more girls affected by rising teenage pregnancy and early marriage. The school’s Dean of Studies, Mr. Enokela Sunday, also provided strong support by coordinating and encouraging the girls during the session.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement and reflection as the girls listened, shared their thoughts, and connected with the powerful messages in the book, each line reminding them to value knowledge, protect their dreams, and prioritize their education.

Beyond the Classroom Foundation believes that prevention is the strongest form of protection. By educating girls early, the campaign aims to reduce the number of girls becoming pregnant and dropping out of school, ensuring that more girls remain in classrooms, complete their education, and secure brighter futures.

Books Over Boys continues to expand, one school, one community, and one girl at a time, reminding every girl that her mind, her dreams, and her future deserve to come first.