Abstract: This study examines the effects of secondary school dropout syndrome on child and the society in Nigeria. Purposely, the study used descriptive statistics to analyse the impacts that dropout syndrome may have on child and the economy. Two factors are identified as being major sources of the high dropout rate in the country and these are individual characteristics and socio-demographic factors. The results show that dropping out of school severely limits the chances of future success for far too many children as it deepens and continues the cycle of poverty into future generations. The study concludes by recommending that any dropout prevention programmes must begin early and that all stakeholders (families, schools and communities) must be actively involved.