VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL SKILLS AS A STRATEGY FORENHANCING GIRL-CHILD SCHOOL ENROLMENT IN ZARIA LOCALGOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE

Abstract

This study examined the role of vocational and technical skills in enhancing the school enrolment of the girl-child
in Zaria Local Government Area. Despite the recognised importance of girls’ education in promoting social and
economic development, many girls in Northern Nigeria continue to experience low enrolment and retention in
schools due to poverty, socio-cultural practices, gender discrimination, and limited educational opportunities. The
paper explored how access to vocational and technical skills motivates girls to enrol in school, assessed parental
perceptions toward vocational and technical skills training as a factor influencing girls’ education, and identified
challenges affecting the effective implementation of such programmes. The study adopted a review-based
approach 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 practical
and 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 sustained
participation in school. However, the implementation of vocational and technical programmes for girls is
constrained by factors such as poverty, inadequate facilities, cultural barriers, gender stereotypes, a shortage of
qualified instructors, and weak policy implementation. The study concluded that vocational and technical skills
constitute an important strategy for improving girls’ school enrolment and retention. It is therefore recommended
that increased government support, provision of modern training facilities, community sensitisation, genderresponsive policies, and stronger partnerships with relevant stakeholders to promote effective vocational and
technical education for the girl-child.