Nigerian Women in Science and Technology

ABSTRACT

This study provides insight into the profile of women scientists and technologists in Nigeria. The sample comprised two subgroups of women: young women undergraduates who were pursuing careers in the sciences and humanities (N= 2600); and career women in the field of science and technology (N= 209). Overall, the profile of the woman scientists which emerged from the findings sugests that she is of a certain social background: mother with high education, father in science‐based occupation and attendance at single‐sex schools. Her personal attributes include a positive attitude towards science, high rating of self‐ability, and low concern with the reward of a career in the field; as well as certain behaviour patterns involving regular participation in academic activities in science.