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Article Title: Effects of Age and Gender on Academic Achievement of Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) Students of a Nigerian University
by T. I. Eze, J. I. Ezenwafor, and M.N. Obi

Abstract:
Age and gender differences in students' enrolment in vocational technical education necessitated the study to determine their effects on students' academic achievement. Three research questions and one hypothesis tested at 0.05 level of significance guided the study. The survey design was adopted and the study was conducted in Anambra state. The population was 117 (44 males and 73 females) 2012/2013 graduates of the programme. Their computed degree results showing age, gender and final cumulative grade point average was collected from the Department and used for the study. Linear regression, ANOVA and Chi Square were used for data analysis. Findings of the study revealed that a linear relationship does not exist between the two predictor variables and the university VTE students' academic achievement and that their combined contribution is insignificant. However, the study revealed differences in the students' academic achievement as a result of age and gender. Based on the findings, the researchers conclude that age and gender have effects on the academic achievement of university VTE students which could be as a result of the fact that the programme involves Mathematics, science and ICT as reported by earlier researchers. Based on the findings and conclusion of the study, the researchers recommend, among others, that parents and the society should eliminate fears in all students, especially female students, towards the study of Mathematics, science and ICT related courses and that university VT lecturers should adopt teaching methods that enhance learning effectiveness for all students irrespective of age and gender.

Keywords: age, gender, education, academic, vocational

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