This volume unpacks the phenomenon of skipped generation households—where children live with their grandparents and without their parents—as they become an increasingly common family dynamic in Nigeria and globally. The skipped generation household's emergence in sub-Saharan Africa has been driven by factors including the HIV/AIDS epidemic, labour-based migration, and ethno-religious conflicts. By examining the data from a national study on skipped generation households in Nigeria, contributions track benefits, opportunities, and effects associated with growing up in these households. Details including academic performance and career aspirations for grandchildren, as well as social-psychological and physical well-being of both them and their grandparents, are explored.

Joshua Oyeniyi Aransiola is Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria.

Funmi Togonu-Bickersteth is Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria.

Akanni Ibukun Akinyemi is Professor of Demography and Social Statistics at Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria.