LOW ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF FEMALE STUDENTS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the low performance of female students in tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State. The study employed descriptive survey research, where the sample size of 373 from the population of 12,301 female students and cluster population were drawn, respectively. Two self-designed instrument stages: Challenges of Female Students in Tertiary Educational Institutions Questionnaire (CFSTEIQ) and Factors Causes Low Performance of Female Students in Tertiary Institutions Questionnaire (FCLEMFSTIQ) were used for this study. The instruments were validated by experts based on face and content validities. The reliability indices of 0.82 and 0.75 were obtained respectively. However, eight out of ten were rated as significant challenges. The findings of the study revealed that female students in tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State are faced with challenges of inadequate accommodation. Also, low incomes, lack of proper counseling, inadequate toilet and sanitation facilities, and an un-conducive learning environment among others formed part of the challenges. The study further revealed that widespread poverty, fear of profound negative change of female students by parents, high cost of education, and socio-cultural beliefs are some of the causes of low performance of female students. The study recommended among others that, there should be financial aid programs for females at higher educational institutions to improve their performance, there should be a conducive learning environment for female students, adequate and appropriate facilities should be provided; and there should be a rigorous campaign against religious misinterpretations to enhance the credibility of gender norms and change perceptions and attitudes of people towards females’ education.