A CLASS WITH NO GIRL: GENDER DISPARITY AT ATBU BAUCHI

Since my first year at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University(ATBU), I’ve been curious why there were more males than ladies studying engineering. From frequent observations, it is evident that female students in ATBU Bauchi prefer other courses over engineering.

No girl graduated from the department of automotive engineering during the recent convocation of ATBU Bauchi 41set of graduates, known as the 41st balewites. I had a brief discussion with Isaiah Madiya, a graduate of the automotive engineering department, about his experience in a class with no girls.

I inquired, “How many female students graduated from the faculty of engineering, and what was your experience in a class with no girls?” He responded, “There were no female graduates in my class. However, in the entire faculty, quite a few graduated, but I cannot give an exact number. A class without a female is not much different from a class with a female, except that lecturers will not pity us. But it isn’t that bad after all.”

Gender disparity in engineering programs is a pervasive issue in Nigerian universities, beyond ATBU Bauchi. Many instituitons, including Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, have few female engineering students. For example, at ABU Zaria, only 1 in 10 engineering students is a female.

ATBU Bauchi is without doubt one of northern Nigeria’s leading technological universities, offering a wide range of engineering programs. Among the alternatives are agricultural and bio-resource engineering, automotive engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, mechanical and production engineering, mechatronics and systems engineering, and petroleum engineering.

However, there are very few female students in the faculty. The faculty is made up of 95% men and 5% women. Some questions become necessary: why are there more males studying engineering in Atbu than females? Is the faculty designed to only accommodate male students? Or if the curriculum and schedule are too rigorous for a female?

Victor Anthony, a 500-level student in civil engineering, had this to say. “For me, engineering is difficult and hard. Not only ATBU have fewer female students studying the course. My department has only two females out of nearly 150 students. I’m not implying that other courses, such as science or environmental, aren’t challenging. I don’t think any course is easy. But engineering, in particular, is highly demanding, with 11 courses offered each semester, including workshops, lab work, and bulky handouts. It’s too stressful; I don’t think girls like stress.

After discussing with many engineering students and asking them why they think females avoid studying engineering, here are some of the reasons why there are few female students pursuing engineering in Atbu Bauchi:

1. Parental Concerns:

Parents often influence their children’s educational decisions. In Nigeria’s conservative society, parents may be concerned about their daughters’ safety in male-dominated engineering programs, worried about potential harassment or bias, or even prefer conventional female-oriented courses (e.g., nursing sciences and midwifery).

2. Stereotypes and Social Expectations:

Northern Nigeria’s patriarchal society reinforces beliefs that women should focus on domestic responsibilities such as childcare and household management, as well as traditional feminine pursuits (e.g., fashion and culinary arts). Engineering, typically a male-dominated field, contradicts these preconceived notions. Ladies may feel pressured to conform to social expectations rather than pursue unconventional careers.

3. Perceived difficulty:

Engineering programs are often rigorous and challenging in ATBU Bauchi. Females may be discouraged by: High mathematical and scientific requirements, intensive coursework and demanding lecture schedule. These preconceptions can scare potential female engineering students, especially if they lack exposure to STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in secondary school.

4. “Men’s course” mentality:

The belief that engineering is a “man’s field” persists in our society. This perspective discourages females from obtaining engineering degrees, limits their access to engineering role models and mentors, and reinforces perceptions that women lack the talent or interest in engineering.

5. A lack of female role models:

Female students in engineering usually lack visible, relevant female role models, which weakens their motivation and sense of belonging. The lack of established female engineers to admire and emulate makes it difficult for female students to envision themselves in engineering careers.

In closing, the gender disparity at ATBU Bauchi’s engineering programs is a major concern. While the institution provides a wide range of engineering disciplines, several factors contribute to the lack of females in these fields of study. How are we intending to close this gap? What steps should be taken as a society to enhance the total number of females in engineering programs at Nigerian universities?