Biometric Tracking of School Attendance and Human Capital Formation of Pupils: Evidence from Rural Schools in Nigeria

High rates of absenteeism among both teachers and students in rural schools pose a significant challenge to improving educational outcomes and human capital formation, particularly in developing regions. This study proposes the implementation of biometric tracking machines to address teacher and pupil absenteeism in rural Nigerian schools. By tracking school attendance through fingerprint scanning technology, the project aims to improve teacher presence and, consequently, enhance educational delivery for vulnerable pupils. A pilot phase will precede a full Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) to evaluate the intervention's effectiveness in reducing absenteeism. The study will collaborate with state governments and technology firms to deploy the biometric systems, gather necessary data, and conduct feasibility assessments. The findings are expected to inform educational reforms in Nigeria, contributing to improved education quality and equitable human capital development, particularly in marginalized communities.