Understanding Gender Diversity in Nigerian Public University Leadership: A Focus on Vice Chancellors Position

Abstract: A university community encompasses persons of diverse backgrounds such as ethnicity, gender, age, religion, and languages. There are 209 universities in Nigeria, making it the country with the highest number of universities in Africa. 105 of these universities are public universities. Public universities are owned, managed, and funded by the Government (Federal or State). Nigeria is a patriarchy state where women are under represented in all career sectors, be it health economy, political, traditional, faith or academics. Fewer women have emerged as Vice-Chancellors since 1948 when the first University was established in Nigeria. As at August 2022, there are only 8 female Vice chancellors in Nigerian public universities which presents a case to investigate. This research aims to study the possible underpinning for the under-representation of women as Vice Chancellors in Nigeria public universities. Due to the interest of this research, the paper takes a social constructivism approach to understand how these realities are constructed by academics. A qualitative research method was employed. Nine (9) professors including men and women were interviewed from the academic field: four women and five men. Three (3)former Vice Chancellors (women), one former VC (man) and five academic professors. The writer used a thematic technique to analyze findings from the interview. The interview findings show that; the academic world is male dominated, there is a general society stereotype, poor lobbying strength from the female professors in a not transparent system, and low career choices by females to become academics.