PROMOTING GENDER EQUITY IN NIGERIAN HIGHER EDUCATION: A CASE FOR NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

The issue of promoting gender equity in higher education is a fundamental issue in every society and Nigerian universities inclusive. Therefore gender equity needs to be revisited and consider in the current educational program of the nation and not to be neglected. therefore, this paper aims at providing an enabling environment for promoting gender equity in higher education in Nigeria, the need for gender equity and its benefit to the Nigerian universities, findings on intervention programs to enhance gender equity in Nigerian universities and measures to close the gender gap in higher education. This paper identified some of the major problems of promoting gender equity in Nigerian universities which include, Cultural and Traditional Norms, Lack of Access to Quality Education, Gender-Based Violence, Institutional Bias, Lack of Mentorship and Role Models, Limited Awareness and Advocacy, Economic Disparities. Nevertheless, This paper also identified some of the benefits to include Enhanced Learning Environment, Improved Academic Performance, Increased Access to Higher Education, Empowerment of Women, Promotion of Equality, Increased Research and Innovation, Role Modeling and Mentorship, Global Competitiveness and many more promoting gender equity in Nigerian universities. Hence conclusions were made based on the findings while recommendations were also not left behind.