The purpose of this study was to find out why a significant percentage of students drop out of the Nigerian school system every year. While statistics for dropouts in developed countries are based on those who fail to continue with their secondary education, dropouts in developing nations like Nigeria are counted as the number that dropped out of both elementary and secondary schools. Data were collected from educational statistics published by Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Education and from questionnaires circulated among Nigerian students, teachers, and principals. The study found a number of possible causes for dropping out, with students and teachers and administrators perceiving the problems somewhat differently. It is recommended that the government provide free education for all, establish trade and technical schools as well as schools for exceptional children, and provide adequately trained teachers and guidance counselors. The dropout problem would also be ameliorated if parents could be encouraged to take more interest in their children's education and if continuation schools were available for students who are too old for regular schools. (CMG)