Adolescent Fertility in Nigeria: Implications for Economic Growth
Adolescent Fertility in Nigeria: Implications for Economic Growth

Summary/Abstract: In consideration of the high adolescent fertility rate in Nigeria, the growth effect of this phenomenon is investigated using annual time series data that span the period from 1981 to 2016. Alternative estimation techniques including the ARDL bounds test approach to co-integration and error correction, FMOLS and CCR are employed for the analysis. Results from the analysis indicate that adolescent fertility negatively affects economic growth in Nigeria in the short- and long-run. This suggests that adolescent fertility in Nigeria has serious implications for economic growth as it adversely affects it. The study therefore recommends efforts by the government to address the high adolescent fertility rate in the country. Specific actions steps include prioritizing girl-child education, incorporating sex education in high (or secondary) school curriculum, formulating laws to stop early marriages, and job creation to engage and economically empower parents or guardians of the adolescents to be able to provide adequate care for their adolescent children.

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