The research examines the impact of gender stereotypes on female participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields in Nigeria. The objective of the research is to understand the barriers that prevent female gender in participating in STEM fields and to identify ways to address these barriers. The target population was all female students and female lecturers in School of Applied Sciences and School of Engineering STEM (TVET) programs at the Polytechnic. The sampling method was simple random sampling using Wolter’s formula for sample size of Two Hundred and Eighty-Six (286). The survey was administered online using Google Forms, and participants were recruited through the WhatsApp groups. The data was analyzed using SPSS. The statistical analysis revealed that gender stereotypes (EPL, MP, and CB) are significant predictors of STEM participation. Specifically, a one-unit increase in any dimension of gender stereotype (Equal Pay laws, Mentorship program, and Cultural barriers) leads to a 0.058, 0.477, and 0.397 increase in STEM participation, respectively. These findings suggest that gender stereotypes are a substantial barrier to female participation in STEM fields, and are reinforced by education, media, and societal norms. Hence, the study recommends improved education and awareness about the problem of gender stereotypes, Support for females in STEM fields, including mentorship and networking opportunities and policy changes to address gender inequality in STEM fields.