Abstract

The study investigated gender disparity in enrolment for state common entrance examinations in Owerri Municipal. It surveyed gender differences in the number of primary school pupilsfrom government owned primary schools and private primary schools in Owerri Municipal who satfor entrance examination takenfor admission of candidates into state owned secondary schools in Imo State in s2011, 2012 and 2013. The population ofthe study was all the pupilsfrom all private primary schools and all public schools in Owerri Municipal, who satforstate common entrance examinations in the three years studied. Hundred percent of the population was studied. Seven research questions and seven null hypothesis guided the inquiry. One ofthe research questions was: Is there sex difference in the percentage ofpupils who sat for state common entrance examination in 2011? One hypotheses was: There is no significant gender disparity in the number of pupils from public schools who sat for state common entrance examination in 2011. Percentages and chi-square were used for data analysis. The findings include: The percentages of enrolment were more for girls. A significant gender disparity in enrolment was found among all candidates who took the exam in 2011,2012 and 2013. It was concluded that there is a significant sex disparity in enrolment in favour of girls. Girls aspire more for secondary education than boys. Among the recommendations made was, provision of employment opportunitiesfor all University graduates by the government.