Street Hawking and its Effects on Educational Development of Children in Jos North LGA of Plateau State

The phenomenon of street hawking and its effects on the educational development of children in Jos North Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, Nigeria was reviewed. Street hawking, a common socio-economic activity among low-income families, often involves school-aged children who are compelled to engage in petty trading to support household income. Street hawking significantly impedes the educational progress of children, leading to irregular school attendance, poor academic performance, increased dropout rates, and diminished interest in formal education. Many of the children when interviewed would report fatigue, lack of study time, and exposure to hazards such as road accidents and exploitation, which further undermine their learning outcomes. The review highlights socio-economic factors, such as poverty, parental illiteracy, and lack of government support, as key drivers of the practice. Despite efforts by some schools and NGOs to encourage child education, the persistence of street hawking remains a barrier to achieving universal basic education in the area. It is recommended to target poverty alleviation programs, stricter enforcement of child protection laws, and increased community sensitization on the value of education. Addressing these issues is crucial for enhancing the educational development and future prospects of children in Jos North LGA. There is the need for holistic, multi-stakeholder intervention to combat child hawking and promote sustainable educational growth.