WOMEN EDUCATIONAL EMPOWERMENT AS PANACEA FOR NATIONBUILDING

Abstract

Abstract Over the years, the issue of women empowerment has been attracting discussions in both spheres of academia and governance as to why women have been left under empowered and been labelled as illiterates when compared to men. Nigerian women constitute almost 50% of the country's population, but contribute very little in the nation-building. Despite the current wave of globalisation, Nigerian women, especially northern women, remain at disadvantaged in education. This paper gives an overview of the current educational status of women in Nigeria, revealing that Nigerian women, especially in the north are still lagging behind in education because of poverty, religious and socio-cultural beliefs. The study uses documentary analysis to arrive at conclusion that the education of women is not only necessary but compulsory in the nation-building. The study therefore recommends more involvement of women in political and administrative system, as well as giving them more priority to education.