Vocational and Technical Skills as a Strategy for Enhancing Girl-child School Enrolment in Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study examined the role of vocational and technical skills in enhancing the school enrolment of the girl-childin Zaria Local Government Area. Despite the recognised importance of girls’ education in promoting social andeconomic development, many girls in Northern Nigeria continue to experience low enrolment and retention inschools due to poverty, socio-cultural practices, gender discrimination, and limited educational opportunities. Thepaper explored how access to vocational and technical skills motivates girls to enrol in school, assessed parentalperceptions toward vocational and technical skills training as a factor influencing girls’ education, and identifiedchallenges affecting the effective implementation of such programmes. The study adopted a review-basedapproach using existing empirical literature and reports relevant to girl-child education and vocational training.Findings revealed that vocational and technical skills enhance girls’ interest in schooling by providing practicaland income-generating competencies that improve self-reliance, confidence, and future employment prospects.Positive parental perceptions of vocational education were also found to encourage girls’ enrolment and sustainedparticipation in school. However, the implementation of vocational and technical programmes for girls isconstrained by factors such as poverty, inadequate facilities, cultural barriers, gender stereotypes, a shortage ofqualified instructors, and weak policy implementation. The study concluded that vocational and technical skillsconstitute an important strategy for improving girls’ school enrolment and retention. It is therefore recommendedthat increased government support, provision of modern training facilities, community sensitisation, genderresponsivepolicies, and stronger partnerships with relevant stakeholders to promote effective vocational andtechnical education for the girl-child.
Institution: Ahmadu Bello University
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7213468241