Journal of Advances in Education and Philosophy (JAEP)
Volume-7 | Issue-03 | 100-109
Original Research Article
Professional Development of Women in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTS) Centres in Universities in Rivers State
Fomsi Esther Fabiawari, Charles-Ogan Gladys Ibibo
Published : March 27, 2023
Abstract
Professional development of women in ICT is very crucial for sustainable development of a nation. However, the gender divide in terms of digital technologies has always been a problem. The aim of this study is to determine if women who work in University ICT centres in Rivers State are given the opportunity to develop themselves professionally. The study adopts the descriptive survey research design. The sample size constitutes twenty women from the three Universities in River State namely: University of Port Harcourt, River State University (RSU), and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUOE). The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire that assessed the professional development of women in ICT in terms of trainings attended, age and educational qualifications. The face and content validity of the questionnaire was determined by experts in ICT and the field of measurement and evaluation. The reliability of the questionnaire was analysed using the Cronbach alpha technique with an overall reliability of 0.83. The research questions were answered using simple percentages, mean and standard deviation. While the hypotheses were analysed using Chi square. Findings revealed that more of middle-aged women attend ICT training (ages 36-45), followed by younger women (ages 25 – 35) and then 46 above, gender does not significantly influence attendance to ICT trainings, but males and females attending ICT training is dependent on age. It is thus recommended that all women who work in ICT centres in Universities should be given equal opportunities to attend trainings for professional development irrespective of their age and educational qualifications.