GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN SELECTED NIGERIAN SCHOOLS OF ARCHITECTURE

Architecture is generally regarded as a masculine profession. However, over the years the number of female students enrolling to study architecture in Nigerian higher institutions has increased. The aim of this paper is to investigate gender differences in academic performance of students in selected Nigerian schools of architecture. The following questions were addressed:
(i) is there any gender difference in the academic performance of students in Nigerian schools of architecture?
(ii) What factors influence academic performance of students in Nigerian schools of architecture?
(iii) Is there any gender differences in the factors that influence academic performance of students in Nigerian schools of architecture?

Survey method was used to obtain quantitative data, which was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results indicate that on the average, female students perform better than male students. Predictor factors of academic performance included students’ socio-economic background, school environment and social interactions. While socio-economic status and social relationships tended to negatively affect male students, they were found to have minimal impact on female students. A major recommendation of this paper is the need for proper counseling especially for male students.