Women in Nigeria's Teaching Profession: the challenges ahead

Abstract

This paper traces the history of the participation of women in education and the teaching profession to the mid‐nineteenth century when Western education was Introduced in Nigeria. It shows how cultural and religious traditions as well as economic factors prevented the effective involvement of women in teaching. The author then examines the increasing recruitment of women into teaching and the trend in the teachers’ colleges where women's enrolment often outstrips that of men. Research evidence reveals that reasons for this development are due neither to improved teaching service conditions nor to a growing interest in the profession. The main reason is the desire to use certificates from Colleges of Education for easier entry into universities to obtain degrees and Jobs, often outside teaching. The administrative and professional implications of the situation are discussed and recommendations made to meet the challenge.