ABSTRACT
Security challenges is one of the major social problems confronting not only Sokoto Metropolis or Nigeria in general, but most of the third world countries and some other parts of the world.
Street children are often found to be active participants in most of the social uprisings that were witnessed in some parts of Nigeria, particularly Sokoto metropolis.
The quest to find out why and how the number of street children is increasing and how it affects the level of security prompted the conduct of this research work.
In the course of the research, qualitative research technique was adopted. Focus Group Discussion and key informant Interviews were the methods through which data were gathered. The data were presented in narrative form (prose style) whereas content analysis was used in the interpretation of the data.
Social disorganization theory was used in as the theoretical framework. The research work found poverty, unemployment and poor and inadequate learning facilities as the major contributors to the escalating number of street children.
In the course their day to day activities, the street children were found engaging in some delinquent activities such as theft, smoking and sexual practices etc. during any social upspring, they were found to be active participants and consequently, increase the rate of material and human damages.
It was also found that solutions to the increasing number of street children revolve around family, community and government efforts.
The researchers recommended employment generation, less family reliance on children and formulation of some welfare policies as the solutions to the increasing number of street children and their implications generally.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page – – – – – – – – – i
Certification – – – – – – – – ii
Dedication – – – – – – – – iii
Acknowledgement – – – – – – – iv
Table of contents – – – – – – – vi
Abstract – – – – – – – – – ix
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background To The Study – – – – – 1
1.2 Statement Of The Research Problem – – 4
1.3 Research Questions – – – – – – 8
1.4 Research Objectives – – – – – – 8
1.5 Significance Of The Study – – – – – 9
1.6 Scope Of The Research – – – – – 10
1.7 Operationalization Of Concepts – – – – 11
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAME WORK
2.1 Introduction – – – – – – – 12
2.2 Conceptualizing Street Children – – – 12
2.2.1 Who Are Street Children – – – – – 12
2.3 Factors That Lead To the Increasing Number Of Street Children – – – – – – – – 13
2.4 The Patterns of Delinquent Behaviour Associated With Street Children – – – – – – 17
2.5 The Level At Which Street Children Affect Security In Sokoto – – – – – – – – 20
2.6 Means through Which Street Children Can Be Reduced – – – – – – – – – 22
2.7 Consequences Of Street Children – – – 24
2.8 Theoretical Framework – – – – – 26
CHAPTER THREE;METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction – – – – – – – 30
3.2 Historical Background Of The Study Area – 30
3.3 Research Design – – – – – – 32
3.4 Population Of The Study – – – – – 32
3.5 Sample Size And Procedure – – – – 32
3.6 Method Of Data Collection – – – – 33
3.7 Instrument Of Data Collection – – – – 34
3.7.1.Focus Group Discussion (FGD) – – – – 34
3.7.2 Key Informant Interview (KII) – – – – 34
3.8: Method Of Data Analysis – – – – – 34
CHAPTER FOUR; DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Introduction – – – – – – – 35
4.2 Presentation Of Data And Analysis – – – 36
4.2.1 Who Are Street Children – – – – – 36
4.3 Factors Associated With The Escalating Number Of Street Children In Sokoto Metropolis – – 39
4.4 Patterns Of Delinquent Behaviour (S) Associated With Street Children – – – – – – 45
4.5 The Level At Which Street Children Affect Security In Sokoto Metropolis – – – – – – 51
4.6 How Street Children Could Be Reduced – – 58
4.7 Discussion Of Findings – – – – – 62
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Introduction – – – – – – – 67
5.2 Summary – – – – – – – – 67
5.3 Conclusion – – – – – – – – 68
5.4 Recommendations – – – – – – 70
References – – – – – – – 72
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Biologically, a is generally a human between the of birth and . The legal of child generally refers to a minor, otherwise known as a person younger than the age of .
On the other hand, the United Nations convention on the right of a child (1984), as cited in Wikipedia, defines a child as a human being below the age of eighteen (18) years, unless under the law applicable to child, majority is attained earlier.
Wholly, children of or below the age of eighteen are expected to be in schools and other related training centers to realize and develop their potentials. (UNCRC, 1984)
However, certain social problems such as poverty, family breakdown, peer-pressure, hawking and begging (in some part of Nigeria) make these children to drop out of schools and roam about the streets in their thousands in most cities of many third world countries particularly Nigeria, such children are often referred to as “Street Children” (Oha, 2008).
REFERENCES
Abdu, H. (2008). Urban Dynamic, Ethno-religious Crises and Youth Violence in Kaduna: Department of Political Science and Defense Studies, Nigeria Defense Academy retrieved from: hussainiabdu.infor/mydocs/urban%20dynamics,%20ethno-religious%20conflict%20urban%20youth%20.20v.o.pdf accessed 13-04-2012.
Akinteye, A., Wuye, J.M. and Ashafa, M.N. (2004). Tafawa Balewa Crises: A Case Study in Otite, O. and Albert, I.O. (editors). Community Conflict in Nigeria. Ibadan: Spectrum Books Limited.
Albert, I.O. (2004). Ethnoreligious Conflict in Kano. In Otite, O. and Albert, I.O. (editors). Community Conflict in Nigeria. Ibadan: Spectrum Books Limited.
Bartollas, C. (2006). Juvenile Delinquency, New York: person and AB Publishers.
Bretherton, C. (2005). Street Children in Britain. Retrieved from: www.fairplayforchildren.org/pdf/1299575094.pdf accessed: 13-04-2012. En.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child. Accessed: 18-04-2012
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