Gender Parity of Science Students in Covenant University Justina A. Achuka, Mojisola R. Usikalu,Marvel L. Akinyemi, Olusola T. Kayode, and Temitope J. Abodunrin. Department of Physics Covenant University Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria Justina.achuka@covenantuniversity.edu.ng Oluwafunmilayo O. Ometan Department of Physics Lagos State University Ojo Lagos State, Nigeria Abstract—Science is the key to technological and economic development of a society. Over time, science field has been a male dominated branch of study. Advancing women equality in this field of study will influence the world’s economy positively. Assessment of gender parity index in tertiary institutions is a tool that will enable the recruitment of female students into the sciences. Ten (10) years of undergraduate and five (5) years of postgraduate students data of Covenant University were used for this study. It was observed that more female opted for biological sciences. The total number of female science students was found to range from 5.0-14.8 %, 6.5-36.7 % and 9.1-50.0 % for first, second and doctorate degree respectively. The result showed 90 % disparity in favour of males for science undergraduate students, 40 % disparity for masters and 90 % for doctorates’ students. Strategies to win more female into the sciences should be encouraged. Keywords—Science; development; gender parity I. INTRODUCTION Sciences played a substantial role from the creation of the earth till the development we see in our world today. Scientific inventions and innovations are the manifestations of latent potentials and not gender abilities. World over, increasing women participation in all human endeavours has been encouraged, having realized the contribution of women to economic growth. When girls do better in society, everyone benefit [1]. Literature revealed that where about 57% of the nation's college population are women, less than one-third major in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) [2]. The study noted that women have the ability but lack the interest. Contrarily, survey by [3] showed that out of girls that are in sciences, most of them are attracted to the life sciences. According to [4], 85 percent of the measured growth in U.S. per capita income is due to scientific revelation and technological innovation. Inability to reach full mathematical potential jeopardizes future economy [4]. Community initiatives that will birth the best of Sciences should be encouraged. Recognizing and utilizing women potentials has yielded positive result in Saudi Arabia. In 2011, just 1 % of researchers are women but within two years the number has increased to 19 % [5]. She suggested that highlighting women success stories will encourage more female to pursue careers in the sciences. The study by [6] noted that honouring scientist achievements and inclusion of qualified women as speakers at conferences will increase women’s overall participation in scientific discourse. A survey by [7] on female student in U.S College showed that discouragement from school authorities through lack of diversity in teaching approach is responsible for low female graduate in STEM fields. The study by [8] revealed that weaker and unequal positions of women in scientific communities are the worst obstacles discouraging younger women from the sciences. Researcher [9] reported a decline in the number of women earning a bachelor’s degree in Physics. She stated that the scarcity of early guidance and mentorship are the major factors. Another Researcher reported that good role models and ignoring stereotypes are powerful driving force in pursuing career in Physics [10]. Research by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) found that girls do worse than boys in mathematics due to lack of self-confidence on the part of the girls [11]. Mathematics anxiety resulting in poor performance by girls has been reported by [12]. Literature revealed that Mathematics phobia is transferrable [13]. Rather than living with the notion that sciences is male dominated field of career, it is time for all and sundry to put up adequate strategies to tap the science abilities in women in order to further advance its usefulness. Mathematics is the engine for a vibrant economy [4]. Harnessing women creativity is a boost to our economy. Therefore, the study was embarked upon to determine the gender parity index of science students at Covenant University in order to develop strategies to win more girls in the sciences. II. METHODOLOGY The data used in this study was obtained with approval from the Center for System and Information System of the 256 3rd International Conference on African Development Issues (CU-ICADI 2016) ISSN:2449-075X Copyright © 2016 by Covenant University Press