Paper short abstract:

This paper presents an analytical framework for building critical mass of leaders that can challenge entrenched inequalities in power relations between men and women in Nigeria. This is necessitated by the failure of current education system to raise leadership that will tackle power asymmetries

Paper long abstract:

In sub-Sahara Africa, transformative higher education systems are crucial for fostering sustainable human capital development which can enhance the capacities of the different individuals to participate and contribute meaningfully to the development process in their societies. Gender inequalities remain a common phenomenon in ensuring transformative changes in many societies in patriarch countries like Nigeria. Therefore, gender sensitive higher education system can be a powerful catalyst to achieving inclusive development. Despite the potential of higher education systems in building people's agency to challenge bias cultural norms, stereotypes and beliefs, there is still a somewhat silent but prevalent notion that the country still has a dearth of leaders that can challenge deep-seated gender stereotypes and structures that continue to malign issues important to women. Critics argue that gender stereotypes, sociocultural factors, home environment, lack of skilled trained teachers, especially to act as role models, and inability to integrate gender issues in the existing higher education curriculum and pedagogy limits the capacity of the education system in serving as an effective tool to enhance the bargaining power of individuals to challenge unequal power relations. Based on the foregoing, using case studies and in-depth desk review, this paper explores gender inclusiveness in higher education system in the country. The paper identifies key weaknesses in the current higher education system to facilitate the development of leaders that can challenge power asymmetries within families, communities, work-place and society at large. The paper proposed a framework for gender-inclusive education system that can empower people to challenge entrenched patriarchy at all levels.