GENDER INEQUALITY IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES: Lived Experiences of Women in Academia in Selected Universities in Southwest Nigeria
Author
Akano, Abisoye Adijat
Term
4. semester
Education
Publication year
2026
Submitted on
2026-05-29
Pages
67
Abstract
This thesis explores how gender inequality is experienced by women academics in selected universities in Southwest Nigeria. Using an exploratory, qualitative approach, the study gathered accounts from 15 women working in federal, state, and private universities. NVivo-assisted thematic analysis was used to examine how institutional structures and broader social expectations shape women’s career trajectories. Participants consistently reported work–family conflicts, limited mentoring support, gendered workload allocations, and persistent stereotypes that hinder career development and access to leadership roles. At the same time, they demonstrated agency and resilience through networking, informal support, and other coping strategies. The thesis highlights the need for gender-responsive policies, more formalized mentoring programs, and inclusive institutional practices to advance equity, visibility, and progression for women in Nigerian higher education.
Denne afhandling undersøger, hvordan kønsulighed opleves af kvinder i akademia på udvalgte universiteter i det sydvestlige Nigeria. Med en eksplorativ, kvalitativ tilgang indsamlede studiet beretninger fra 15 kvindelige akademikere ansat på føderale, statslige og private universiteter. Data blev tematiseret med NVivo for at belyse, hvordan institutionelle strukturer og samfundsmæssige forventninger former kvinders karriereforløb. Deltagerne rapporterede om arbejds‑familie‑konflikter, begrænsede mentorordninger, kønsbestemt fordeling af arbejdsopgaver og stereotype forestillinger, som tilsammen skaber barrierer for karriereudvikling og adgang til ledelsesposter. Samtidig viste kvinderne handlekraft og modstandskraft gennem netværk, uformel støtte og andre mestringsstrategier. Afhandlingen peger på behovet for kønssensitive politikker, mere formaliserede mentorprogrammer og inkluderende praksisser, der kan fremme ligestilling, synlighed og avancement for kvinder i nigerianske universiteter.
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