SOCIO-ECONOMICS DETERMINANTS OF GENDER DISPARITY IN TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION: EMPIRICAL INSIGHTS FROM FEMALE STUDENTS IN POLYTECHNICS, SOKOTO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined socio-economic factors predicting gender disparities in technology education among female students of Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto State, Nigeria. A mixed-methods design was adopted, combining descriptive survey and phenomenological approaches. The study population consisted of 596 final-year female students across six technology-related programmes. Using stratified random sampling, a sample of 234 students was selected, while 13 females were purposively chosen for in-depth interviews. Two instruments were employed: a structured questionnaire (SPFGDTEQ) and an interview guide. Content validity was established through expert review and reliability of 0.71 was obtained using Cronbach's alpha. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean score) for the quantitative aspect, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. Findings revealed that high educational costs, limited household income and lack of scholarships significantly constrain female participation in technology education. The study concluded that socio-economic barriers remain central to female underrepresentation in technical fields. It recommends the establishment of targeted scholarships and subsidized tuition plans to reduce financial burdens and promote equitable female participation in technology education.