Gender Literacy and Inequality in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

Abstract

Gender literacy is defined as the knowledge and ability to critically evaluate gender issues from the socialization aspects and to accept global best practices. Gender literacy is the broad knowledge on gender issues, policies and narratives both locally and internationally. Gender literacy among tertiary institutions stakeholders in Nigeria appear low due to many barriers. This paper discusses barriers to gender literacy in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The paper among other things looks at the concept of gender literacy, conceptual terminologies on gender terms and finally looked at barriers to gender literacy in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Using secondary data collected from print and online publications. The paper concluded that poor funding of gender literacy programme, poor sensitization, cultural factors, religious factor and lack of academic will are barriers to effective gender literacy in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Based on these barriers, the paper hereby recommended that international organizations and government should allocate funds to gender literacy programme implementation in the tertiary institutions in Nigeria.  Centre for gender advocacy should be established in all tertiary institutions and should be properly managed for effective implementation of gender literacy programme implementation. Academic leaders in the tertiary institutions should be trained on importance of gender literacy and advocacy and the need to use their offices to support implementation of gender literacy programmers.