Analysis of Gender Disparity in Technical and Vocational Education Enrolment in North West Nigeria

This study analyses gender disparity patterns in technical and vocational education enrolment across North West Nigeria, covering Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, and Jigawa States. Persistent gender gaps in vocational enrolment, particularly in male-dominated trades such as welding, auto mechanics, and electrical installation, represent a significant equity concern with implications for women's economic empowerment and labour market inclusion. The study employs a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. Quantitative data are drawn from enrolment records of 50 technical institutions over five academic sessions, analysed using descriptive statistics and panel data regression to identify trends and determinants. Qualitative data from focus group discussions with female students, parents, and community leaders provide explanatory depth. Findings are expected to reveal persistent female underrepresentation particularly in engineering-related trades, driven by cultural norms, lack of female role models, household responsibilities, and safety concerns. The study also analyses whether recent government policies on female enrolment incentives have produced measurable effects. Recommendations include targeted female scholarships, female-only trade clusters, community engagement on gender and vocational education, and gender-responsive curriculum design. This study contributes original analysis to gender and VTE research in North West Nigeria and provides an evidence base for equity-focused policy interventions in the region's technical education sector. Keywords: gender disparity, VTE enrolment, North West Nigeria, female participation, technical education