Girl-Child Education in Science, Technical and Vocational Programmes: An Imperative for Economy Security

Abstract

This study examined the enrolment of girl-child in Science, Technical and Vocational Education 
(STVE) for economy security. Survey approach was adopted for the study. Samples comprised 
of all girls in Junior and Senior Secondary Schools in 2014/2015 academic session in Gombe 
State. Two instruments were used, Interview and Annual School census report for data 
collection. The data collected were analyzed through frequency count and simple percentage. 
The findings revealed that 74,467 students enrolled into Junior Secondary Schools and only 
875 (1.2%) were girls of ages 12-14 in Vocational Schools. Also, the enrolment of students in 
Senior Secondary Schools was 52,581and only 1,856 (3.5%) were girls of ages 15-17 in 
Science and Technical Schools. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that 
the girl-child be given the needed attention and encouragement to enroll in STVE Programmes. 
The skills acquired from the School will help to provide them with the required strategies for 
job-creation and poverty eradication – through self-employment, employment in the labour 
market and pursuance of career in Science, Technology and Mathematics fields, which in turn, 
will improve the local and global economy.