Gender-based disparities in science education, particularly in physics, remain a persistent structural challenge that constrains the pipeline of female students into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers across sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigates gender differences in physics participation and academic achievement in senior secondary schools within Kenema Municipality, Eastern Province, Sierra Leone. The study employed an explanatory mixed-methods design, integrating quantitative enrolment and examination data with qualitative data from structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and classroom observations. The study population encompassed all Form 4 and Form 5 physics students in the eight public and government-assisted senior secondary schools within Kenema Municipality during the 2023–2024 academic year. A total of 386 students (228 male, 158 female) and 42 physics teachers participated in the survey component. Analysis of West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) physics results for Kenema Municipality over five academic years (2019–2024) reveals a persistent gender enrolment gap: female students constitute only 31.4% of physics enrollees on average, a proportion that has improved only marginally over the study period. Achievement analysis reveals a statistically significant gender gap in examination performance (t(384) = 4.18, p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 0.43), with male students achieving a mean WASSCE physics grade of 3.72 ± 1.24 compared to female students’ mean of 4.48 ± 1.38 (on a 1–8 scale where 1 = A1, highest). Binary logistic regression identifies school type (government-assisted vs. government), parental education level, household socioeconomic status, and physics teacher gender as significant predictors of female physics participation. Qualitative findings illuminate five inter-related barriers to female physics participation: gender-stereotyped subject perceptions; the absence of female physics teacher role models; household economic prioritization of male education; insufficient gender-responsive pedagogy; and inadequate laboratory and study infrastructure. The study concludes with a comprehensive, evidence-based set of recommendations for transforming the physics education environment in Kenema Municipality to achieve equitable participation and achievement outcomes for both male and female learners. Read more

As global demand for innovative and entrepreneurial people grows, established educational institutions are under pressure to provide practical and experiential learning environment and opportunities. Library maker spaces, which are outfitted with cutting-edge tools and technologies, have the potential to provide a solution by encouraging practical learning and innovation. However, previous study has primarily focused on librarians' opinions, ignoring the important perspectives of the students who are the main patrons of these spaces. This study investigates the impact of library maker spaces on entrepreneurial studies among science, engineering and mathematics students in Southwest Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive survey design, while a multistage sampling combining random, stratified and purposive sampling techniques was used to select 400 STEM students across the selected tertiary institutions. The questionnaire was chosen as the instrument for data collection. 400 copies of the questionnaire were distributed, out of which 360 were duly filled, yielding a return rate of 90%. The results of this study revealed that the use of maker spaces in the selected library was fairly high, while awareness level was also fairly high. The study also found that the use of maker spaces positively influence the development of entrepreneurial activities among the students, despite the various challenges facing the adoption of maker spaces identified in the study. The study hereby concluded that the use of maker spaces has to be encouraged by proffering solutions to identified obstacles, in order to enhance creativity and innovation among university students, thereby fostering entrepreneurial development. Read more

Women and ethnic minorities have historically been underrepresented in the cybersecurity industry. Although there are an increasing number of open opportunities in the cybersecurity industry, this pattern has not changed. There is still an imbalance in the participation of women and ethnic minorities in the cybersecurity domain. Issues that impact both Africa and the global participation of women and ethnic minorities in cyber-security include inadequate representation and awareness as well as retention problems. Further, issues such as harassment, gender bias and the idea that cybersecurity is a “man’s world” are also contributing factors. This paper provides a framework for discussing some of the skills that are available to women and underrepresented groups and argues for the necessity to solve this problem. Programs striving to increase the participation of women and ethnic minorities in cybersecurity are discussed. Lastly, some suggestions to remediate this pervasive issue are also provided. Read more

The study examined some personality traits of secondary school girls aspiring to STEM careers in the Benin metropolis of Edo State in Nigeria. This study is a descriptive survey with a correlational design. The population of the study consisted of senior secondary school girls in sciences selected from federal, state and private schools in Benin metropolis of Edo State, Nigeria. Five hundred (500) female students formed the sample for the study. The data were analyzed using frequency counts, mean, standard deviation and chi-square. The hypotheses were tested using the Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the multiple regressions. The findings of the study among others were: age and course of interest have a significant influence on girls aspiring to STEM careers; flexibility, self-esteem, enterprising, team spirit, social, and stress tolerance were exhibited by the girls; and that personality trait is a significant predictor of girls aspiring to STEM careers. It was concluded that the personality traits identified affects the single sex and mixed schools in about the same way. This implies that school type does not affect the personality traits of the girls much. Therefore, all secondary school girls have fairly equal chances of excelling in STEM careers. The study therefore recommended among others that: Parents, teachers and all stakeholders in education should be enlightened on participation of girls in STEM. Gender discrimination by employers should be discouraged. Secondary school students especially females should be encouraged to develop STEM competencies and disabuse their minds from the fear of some STEM subjects. Read more

Phytochemical and proximate analysis was carried out on the seed, leaf, stem bark, stem, root bark and root of Afzelia Africana plant. This analysis revealed that phytochemical constituents were mostly predominant in the leaf and lower in other parts of the plant. Steroid was high in the root (0.49±0.01) and lower in the stem (0.04±0.01). Phytate content was high in the seed (0.40±0.03) and lower in the stem. Carbohydrate, protein, fats, ash and moisture content were high in the seed. Fibre was high in the stem (61.1±0.23) and lower in the seed (3.61±0.06). Vit. C (ascorbic acid) was the highest vitamin component in all the plant parts with leaf being the highest (12.69±1.02) and root having the lowest (2.64±1.24). The stem has the lowest content of Vit. A, Vit. B2, and Vit. B3. The seed has the highest calcium content (188.80±5.54) while the leaf has the lowest (28.84±0.25). Stem bark has the highest magnesium content (10.08±0.94) and lowest in the root (4.96±0.14). Potassium and phosphorus were high in the leaf (368.67±3.06) and low in the stem. Sodium was high in the seed (11.63±0.40) and lower in the root (5.23±0.23). This study shows that the seed of Afzelia africana has the highest biochemical content and could serve as a good food supplement for man and livestock. The presence of phytate is known to induce mineral-related deficiency, its consumption also provides protection against a variety of cancers via its antioxidant properties. Read more