ABSTRACT

The problem of Nuptiality — marriage and marriage activities is a major factor in the success or failure of any society. Nuptialft'.' is therefore the focus of this study. Based on the assumption that the size and growth rate of population in any given society is an important factor in the efficient utilization and conservation of resources, this study is limited to the maritaItatus of the population aged 10 years and above, using the 1991 population census. Since this study is a descriptive statistics, the mean, median, graphs, percentages and frequency tables are used for the analysis in order to arrive at specific findings on the issues investigated. Time is the major constraint in this study as it requires going to Nnamdi Azikwe Library at the University of Nigeria Nsukka and Irno State Library to locate the relevant literature. From the findings, it has been noted among others that nuptiality depend heavily on the backgrounds of the respo:dents. Factors such as literacy rate age, location etc are determinants of behaviour towards marriage and marriage activities. Suggested solutions include the expansion of educational opportunities, instituting poverty alleviation programmes, enforcing ban on child labour; provision of reproductive health services, putting up a National Policy on age at first marriage to be a minimum of 1 8 years and providing enlightenment programme on how to reduce total fertility rate. There is no doubt that a measure of success will be achieved if the above suggested solutions are considered by our policy makers.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page ..

Approval page.. .. .. .. ii

Table of contents .. iii-iv

Dedication .. .. .. V

Acknowledgement . .. vi

Abstract .. vii

Chapter One: Introduction

1.1 Background to the study

1.2 Statement of Problem

1.3 Hypothesis

1.4 Rational for study

1.5 Study Objectives

1.6 Definition of concepts

1.7 Scope of the study

1.8 Methodology

1.9 Literature Review

Chapter Two: Background characteristics of respondents in Nigeria

2.1 Current Age .. .. .. 26

2.2 Literacy Status .. .. 26

3.3 Place of residence and its distribution of literacy rate 27

2.4 Region of Residence .. .. 28-29

Chapter Three: Status of Nuptiality Variables in Nigeria and changes overtime 30-31

3.2 AgeatAFNinNigeria 32-38

Chapter Four: Differentials of Nuptiality Variable 39-4 1

4.1 Marital Status and Age .. .. 4 1-45

4.2 Marital Status and Sex .. 45

4.3 Marital Status and place of residence.. 46-47

4.4 Marital Stability in Nigeria .. 48-52

Chapter Five: Summary, Recommendation and Conclusion

5.1 Summary of Findings..

5.2 Recommendation

5.3 Conclusion ..

Bibliography