GENDER DIFFERENCES AND PERCEPTION OF NATIONAL SECURITYAMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OBANLIKU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF CROSS RIVER STATE

Abstract

National security is a key component and major concern of any sovereign state that seeks growth and national development at all levels. National security entails that a nation's sovereignty, its territory, integrity, national interests and pride, the general wellbeing of its citizenry, and the country's institutions are not only preserved, protected and improved, but are also enhanced. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in gender perception of national security among high school students in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State. The current insecurity in contemporary Nigeria has raised concerns on development, security, and stability of the nation. These concerns cut across all social strata of the Nigerian state including secondary school students since the future appears bleak with no promises of hope for development and progress. It is in view of this predicament that this study investigated the gender differences and perception of national security among secondary school students in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State. Survey method was used with mixed research techniques for data collection and analysis. The study revealed that there exist marginal differences in perceptions of national security by both genders within the study area. The result further revealed that the male gender is more aware of a future national security threat than the female gender. The study also showed that there is a huge gap in the general gender perception of national security among high school students. This is indicated by 65.6% for males as against 34.4% for females. The result revealed that females in high schools in Obanliku L.G.A. of Cross River State have lesser perception of national security threats as compared to their male counterparts. The study therefore, recommended that more aggressive measures should be put in place by the government and the guidance and counseling experts in order to create more awareness among high school students.