Family-Related Determinants and Implications of Low Female Enrolment in Electrical Trade in Adamawa State

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined the perceived family-related determinants and implications of the low enrolment of female students in electrical installation and maintenance works in government science technical colleges of Adamawa State. Approach/Methodology/Design: A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of 13 Electrical Installation and Maintenance Work Trade (EIMWT) teachers and 129 parents of National Technical Certificate Two (NTCII) EIMWT students (either father or mother) in three Government Science Technical Colleges of Adamawa State. The sample of the study comprised of the entire population, thus no sampling was done. A 20-item questionnaire was developed by the researcher and used for data collection. The questionnaire was validated by three lecturers from the Department of Electrical Technology Education, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State. A reliability coefficient of 0.87 was obtained for the instrument using Cronbach Alpha. Mean was used to answer the research questions while a t-test was used to test the hypotheses. Findings: The findings of the study revealed low contribution from the female gender to family income in households and increased level of dependency of the female gender on the males in Adamawa State as major perceived family-related implications. Practical Implications: The study presents practical implications for concerned authorities to work on dismantling the negative perceptions about female education. The results suggest working closely with several institutions to raise awareness and enlighten parents and family members on the prospects of EIMWT, especially to the female gender. Originality/value: The study concludes that EIMWT is a way of investing in the education of females in view of breaking cycles of poverty and social vices that the females might be lured into.