Gender Disparities in Stem Pathways: Investigating Student Interest in Robotics and Software Development in Secondary Schools in Nsukka

Abstract

The study examined gender disparities in STEM education pathways, particularly in robotics and software development, across secondary schools in Nsukka. By analyzing institutional data, national competitions, and regional initiatives, it identifies systemic barriers hindering female participation in technology. Key findings revealed that only 22% of Nigeria’s engineering and technology graduates are women, with cultural stereotypes, infrastructure gaps, and teaching methods exacerbating these disparities. The University of Nigeria Secondary School, a leading institution with 1,000 students and advanced ICT resources, illustrates both opportunities and challenges in STEM education. While 58.46% of students support programming curriculum integration, 71.07% of schools lack sufficient computing infrastructure, disproportionately impacting girls. The research demonstrates that simulation-based teaching significantly boosts programming interest compared to traditional methods. Initiatives like the Avishay National Robotics Contest and “Project 10,000 Kids” highlight hands-on learning potential but show persistent gender imbalances. Cultural norms framing STEM as male-dominated, alongside economic barriers and workplace inequities, further restrict female engagement. Recommendations propose multi-tiered strategies: gender-inclusive curricula, infrastructure development, and policies promoting flexible work environments and anti-harassment measures. The study stressed the urgency of addressing these gaps to unlock Nigeria’s technological capabilities, advocating collaborations among schools, government bodies, and international organizations like UNESCO, which advances the STEM and Gender Advancement (SAGA) framework for progress monitoring. These insights enrich global conversations on equitable STEM education while offering practical guidance for Nigerian policymakers and educators