Assessment of Female Learners in Specific Institutional TVET Programs in Nigeria

Abstract

Education plays a crucial role in tackling gender equity and equality challenges in Africa. Engineering programs have seen limited participation from women, as it is a predominantly male field. Progress and innovations in technology, the incorporation of a gender lens in TVET, and the initiatives by the United Nations (UN) and UNICEF regarding sustainable development goals have positively influenced the enrollment of women in engineering courses. This paper explores the performance assessment of female students in specific institutional TVET programs in Nigeria. The TVET programs analyzed include Agricultural and Bio-Environmental, Civil, Electrical/Electronics, and Mechanical Engineering at the Institute of Technology,  Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, KwaraState. The research utilized a mixed-method approach. Ten female lecturers and eighty female engineering students were chosen through random sampling.wereaimed for verbal interviews and the use of organized questionnaires. National Diploma scores were gathered from four chosen departments through random selection. The information was  analyzedusing Microsoft Excel packages. The results indicate that the enrolment rate is below 20% for all TVET courses, with the exception of Agricultural and Bio-environmental engineering from 2017 to 2023. Additionally, the choice of course impacts enrolment levels, although it does not necessarily correlate with performance. Female students excel, achieving distinction and credit grades across all subjects. The female success rate is higher in Agricultural and Bio Environmental, Civil, and Mechanical fields, but lower in Electrical options compared to males from 2017 to 2023. To maintain the enrolment and success of female students in engineering disciplines, it is essential to establish effective tutorial classes and a group of women technologists among female engineering students in polytechnic institutions. Providing incentives such as scholarships, cash rewards, and job placements can motivate performance, while creating a peer-supportive environment and hosting career discussions facilitated by relevant organizations is crucial.