STRATEGIES FOR INCREASING GENDER EQUITY IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the strategies for increasing gender equity in Technical Education in Benue State. Five research questions and five hypotheses guided the study. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for the research. The total population was 268, comprising 244 technical teachers and 24 principals and vice-principals in the eight Technical Colleges in Benue State. No sampling was carried out as the number of technical teachers in the eight Technical Colleges was accessible. The instrument used was a questionnaire constructed with a five point Likert scale. The method of data analysis included Mean, and t-test of difference between two means. The analysis of the data was carried out by means of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.0 for window evaluation version. Some major findings of the study revealed that: adequate provision of educational facilities will enhance gender equity in Technical Education; equipment, machines and power hand tools if provided adequately and in good condition will enhance gender equity; proper organization of Technical Education workshop facilities will enhance gender equity; proper administration of Technical Education will also go a long way to enhancing gender equity. The implications of these findings for all in Technical Education were highlighted. Based on these findings, the study concluded that provision of adequate training facilities and proper organization of Technical education workshop facilities will enhance gender equity. It was therefore, recommended that government in collaboration with technical Education institutions should make provision for adequate numprber of hand tools, equipment / machines and materials in good condition and Technical Colleges should emphasize on proper administrative measures and provide competent administrators.