The Economic Outcomes of Gender Inequality in Education in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper is an Opinion Article that endeavoured to interrogate the economic effects of lack of education in females in Nigeria. The paper attempted to explore the perceived notion that females do not deserve quality education like their male counterparts. In terms of methodology, the paper relied exclusively on review of secondary sources like journals, both on-line and prints versions, books and official publications. It was discovered that gender inequality in education, disparities in access to education between males and females lead to differences in enrolment, completion rates, learning quality, and fields of study. These inequalities are historically rooted and remain evident today, posing significant issues to achieving gender equality. Gender inequality in schooling is a multifaceted issue, and includes variations in enrolment rates and impediments that prevent girls and women from receiving excellent education. Cultural traditions, discriminatory behaviours, lack of finance, and societal expectations are some of the challenges that exist. Most countries with significant current gender discrepancies have low levels of female educational attainment. They also fare poorly on other indicators of development, such as life expectancy and GDP per capita. It is believed that boosting girls' education is a vital goal in and of itself, but addressing gender gaps in school alone will not close key inequities in adult life outcomes.