SCHOOL DROPOUT IN NIGERIA: A THREAT TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND GENERATIONAL PROGRESS

School dropout is a significant social issue affecting numerous continents worldwide. The impact can shatter the individual’s future. This study examines the cognitive, emotional, social, economic, and intergenerational effects of school dropout in Nigeria. This study adopted a qualitative interpretative paradigm to understand the implications of leaving school early among 21 participants in Lagos, Nigeria. The participants were purposively selected, having met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that dropouts experience limited cognitive development, including reduced critical thinking ability, analytic reasoning, and problem-solving skills, which limits their capacity to adapt in an evolving job market. Emotionally, dropouts are more vulnerable to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression, often stemming from financial struggles and social stigma. Socially, they experience weakened interpersonal relationships, higher risks of delinquency, and lower civic engagement. Economically, dropouts encounter limited employment opportunities, increased poverty risks, and greater dependence on government assistance. Furthermore, the intergenerational effects include cycles of poverty, early parenthood, and reduced parental involvement in education. At a national level, high dropout rates contribute to lower workforce productivity, higher crime rates, and increased public health burdens. Addressing this issue requires targeted interventions such as mentorship programs, vocational training, and mental health support to reduce dropout rates and mitigate its longterm effects.