Across Africa, there is a common belief that boys are doing better than girls in education, technology, and innovation. Many assume that since boys are more visible in digital spaces, they must be leading in tech and have more opportunities in AI, software development, and entrepreneurship.
But this is not the full picture. In fact, many boys in Nigeria and across Africa are not in school, not learning, and not involved in any meaningful innovation. They are instead dropping out of school, losing interest in learning, and turning to crime, drugs, and get-rich-quick schemes.

A Dangerous Assumption

The popular narrative today focuses on closing the gap for girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). While these efforts are important and necessary, they are often based on the assumption that boys already have access and are doing well. This assumption is not true for millions of boys across the continent, especially in under-resourced communities.

The Numbers Tell a Different Story

According to a 2023 report by UNESCO, 132 million boys are out of school globally. That is more than the number of girls out of school. In Nigeria, UNICEF reports that boys make up more than 60 percent of out-of-school children in the primary age group. And by the time they reach secondary school, even more boys are dropping out.
In 20 states in Nigeria, data from the National Senior Secondary Education Commission shows that 56.4 percent of secondary school dropouts are boys. States like Abia, Ebonyi, and Kano recorded some of the highest numbers.
In Northern Nigeria, insecurity, poverty, and pressure to become breadwinners push boys out of school. In some communities, boys are expected to start working early, join street trades, or migrate to cities to “hustle.” In many cases, this hustle leads to dangerous choices, including fraud, scams, drug abuse, and cybercrime.

When Boys Leave School, They Enter Risk

Many boys who drop out of school do not go into apprenticeships or vocational training. Instead, they fall into a fast-growing underground economy filled with risky paths. Online fraud (commonly known as “Yahoo Yahoo”), Ponzi schemes, and betting are increasingly becoming the daily reality for many young males. In some cities, these lifestyles are now celebrated, with fraud becoming a symbol of success among peers.

A study conducted in Southeastern Nigeria showed that unemployment and poor role models were the top reasons boys turned to cybercrime. Many boys admitted they no longer saw education as a guarantee for success. They wanted fast money, flashy lifestyles, and respect.

Tech and Innovation? Only a Few Are In

It is true that boys seem to dominate spaces like coding bootcamps and AI hubs in urban areas. But these are only a small portion of the male population. Most of the boys who are thriving in tech today come from educated, middle or upper-class homes. They have access to good schools, laptops, Wi-Fi, and mentors.

The majority of boys, especially in rural areas and inner cities, are far removed from the tech revolution. They are not learning to code. They are not attending science fairs or robotics clubs. They are struggling with basic literacy and survival.

The Roots of the Problem

Several deep issues are responsible for this crisis:

• Poverty and child labour: Many boys must work to support their families. Education becomes a luxury.
• Low academic performance: Boys often struggle in reading and writing from early grades. Without support, they lose motivation.
• Gender expectations: In many cultures, being a “man” means providing by any means. Boys are pushed to find money fast.
• Lack of targeted support: Most educational initiatives are designed to help girls. Very few address the needs of boys.

In short, there is no system in place to catch boys when they begin to fall behind.

What Can Be Done?

The Boys Aid Network believes it is time to shift the conversation. We cannot continue to ignore the crisis among boys. We need a balanced approach that supports both boys and girls to thrive.

Here are a few steps that can make a real difference:

• Recognize the crisis: Policy makers, donors, educators, and NGOs must acknowledge that boys are being left behind, especially at the secondary school level.
• Create support systems for boys: Provide mentorship, counselling, academic support, and safe spaces for boys to learn and grow.
• Promote positive role models: Showcase men who achieved success through education, hard work, and integrity—not through crime or shortcuts.
• Engage families and communities: Help parents understand the value of keeping boys in school and away from harmful influences.
• Strengthen early education: Literacy gaps for boys often begin in primary school. The earlier we intervene, the better the outcome.
• Make tech truly accessible: Ensure that boys in low-income areas have access to tools, internet, and practical training to engage in innovation, not crime.

A Call for Balanced Inclusion

Promoting girls in education and innovation is a worthy cause. But leaving boys behind is a growing risk to national security, youth development, and long-term peace. The rise in cybercrime, gang culture, and youth disaffection is a signal that too many young men feel disconnected from any hope for a better future.

We must remember that education is not a competition between boys and girls. It is a collective mission to uplift every child. If we truly want a future filled with innovation, leadership, and progress, then we must ensure that no boy is left behind.

Boys need support. Boys need mentorship. Boys need opportunity.

Let’s act before we lose another generation.