Engaging Girl Child in Automobile Skill for Self-Reliance among Female Technical College Students in Lagos State, Nigeria

The current study investigated the acquisition of automobile skills for self-reliance among female Technical College students in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by the need to address youth unemployment and the low participation of females in automobile technology programmes despite the potential of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in promoting skill acquisition and economic independence. A descriptive survey research design was employed, the study participants being 92 female students of automobile technology sampled from technical colleges in Lagos State using Yamane's sampling technique. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data and descriptive statistics and ANOVA was used for analysis. It was concluded that the knowledge acquired in automobile technology significantly improves self-reliance as it imparts to the students with other skills like practical, entrepreneurial and employment skills. Some of the major problems identified by the respondents included lack of good workshop facilities, modern equipment, qualified instructors, and gender stereotypes, which affect the successful learning of skills. The study also revealed that the respondents were in favour of measures to improve the learning outcomes like provision of modern equipment, improved practical training, industrial exposure, and female participation. To enhance the self-reliance of female technical college students, the study recommends the strengthening of practical-oriented automobile technology education. It suggests better funding, infrastructure and gender inclusive policies that help in effective skills acquisition in TVET Institutions.

TVET, automobile technology, female students

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