Gender enrolment status in higher education courses : a situation assessment and analysis of a South Eastern Federal University
For two decades now, there has been a heightened interest on gender equity in educational access. This interest is stimulated by the realization that one of the most effective strategies for promoting economic and social development in developing countries is education for all. In recognition of the positive impact of girl-child education, various organizations (UNICEF, UNESCO, CEDAW, CIDA, FAWEN) have mounted many intervention programs and campaigns aimed at closing the wide gender gap in access to and achievement in education in Africa. A situation assessment and analysis on gender enrolment status in different countries by UNICEF in 2003 indicated that significant gender disparities still exist in many African countries. Though Nigeria made meaningful progress in ensuring gender equity in this area at the primary education level with a gender gap ratio of only 5 percent, however, being a highly patriarchal society, home and societal roles are still gender stereotyped. This is reflected in the admissions into different higher education courses in the universities. This paper assesses the gender status in enrolment into different faculties in a south eastern university in Nigeria. Enrolment status by male and female students into arts and science based courses offered in this university from 2008 to 2011 was assessed. Four research questions guided the study. Results indicated that in spite of the profuse efforts made so far to bridge the gender gap in education access in Nigeria, many higher education courses are still being construed as either masculine or feminine. Evidence of this gender gap, it is hoped, will sensitize the government, educational institutions and the general public on the current gender situation in human capital empowerment for necessary interventions.
Female Participation in Science, Technology and Mathematics (STM) Education in Nigeria and National Development
Abstract Over the past two decades, women limited participation in science, technology and mathematics (STM) courses in tertiary institutions has been a cause for concern in Nigeria. Women today, constitute over half of the world’s population. This paper therefore, discusses the present situation of female participation in STM, some of the factors that tend to hinder females’ participation in STM, vis-à-vis the effects of this limited participation on national development. The paper recommended some of the ways to overcome the barriers to female participation in STM.
Efficacy of life skills training on general health in students
BACKGROUND
With regard to the importance of life skills, the present study deals with the effect of life skills training on general health of the students.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
This was a one-group, pre-test, post-test, quasi-experimental research. Forty students were selected through purposive sampling method. The data collection tool was Goldberg General Health Questionnaire.


RESULTS
Paired t-test showed a 22 score significant decrease in general health after education compared to before education (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSION
This study showed that life skills education increases general health level of the students.