Abstract:
A study of the effects of multi- dimensional variables associated with female enrollment into technology programmes in the Federal polytechnics in Northern states was undertaken to determine its effect, so as to proffer solution to the problem in the area of research. Expost factor method was employed, while Likert scale and personally designed questionnaire were used as instruments to elicit relevant information sought for the study. A sample size of 1,183 students/teachers out of 35618 students/teachers selected through proportionate sampling technique participated in the study. Data were collected from the sample through a questionnaire designed by the researcher titled Effect of Multi-Dimensional Variables on Female Enrolment in Technology Questionnaire (EMDVFETPQ). The data collected were analysed with the use of simple percentages, frequency count, ranking means and coefficient of correlation statistics. Four research hypotheses were generated and tested at 0.05 alpha level of significance.
The findings of the study reveal that socio-cultural value practices, parental influence on female children and socio- cultural religious affinities and practices, all have significant effect on female’ enrollment into technology based - programmes in federal polytechnics in Northern states of Nigeria. The findings also, show that government support for female students, in the areas of scholarships, policies and provision of gender friendly facilities are inadequate and not directly targeted at female students offering technology programmes in federal polytechnics in the North. Furthermore, the findings indicate that location of federal polytechnics were said to be less significant to have influence on female enrolment into technology based programmes. Significantly, however the findings indicate the need for more federal polytechnics located in the rural areas for proximity to rural parents and girls. The result of the findings indicates poor response of female students’ into technology programmes in the area of research. On the basis of the available results, it is recommended that effort should be made by the government, all stakeholders, parents and religious organizations to motivate and encourage female students to enroll for technology based programmes in federal polytechnics in Northern states of Nigeria.
