Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies: Home

Article Title: Challenges Confronting Female Undergraduate Students in the Study of Engineering in Nigerian University
by Okwelle, P. Chijioke, Ph.D and Alalibo, T. Joyce (Engr)

Abstract:
This study examined the challenges confronting female students in engineering programmes in Nigerian university (A case study of Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt in south-south zone of Nigeria). Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Forty (40) female undergraduate Engineering students of 2015/2016 Session from seven engineering departments in the university were purposively sampled. Two research questions guided this study and questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire was validated by three experts in the university and using Cronbach Alpha method, a reliability coefficient of 0.85 was obtained. Mean and standard deviation were used to analyse data for the research questions. The study revealed amongst others that, the challenges confronting female students in engineering programmes in RSU include: school factors such as inadequate learning facilities; personal factors such as time management and financial issues. Despite challenges, parental support, career-driven goals, self-motivation, faith, job prospect and future financial independence, amongst others, were used as key motivational factors by female engineering students to help them continue in the engineering programmes. It was recommended that government; school administrators and parents should encourage female enrolment and participation in engineering programmes through positive interactions and creating engineering awareness from early age.

Keywords: challenges, females, engineering, programme, undergraduate, universities

Download full paper