Professor Deborah Adekeye of the University of Ilorin is calling on the federal government to boost support for girls’ education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as a key way to expand opportunities for Nigerian girls.
Speaking during the university’s 293rd inaugural lecture titled “Breaking the Glass Ceiling for African Women: Insight from Gender Studies,” she highlighted that enforcing international gender laws could significantly close education gaps for girls. She also urged adoption of a 35% affirmative action quota for women in politics, like other African nations.
Adekeye emphasized challenging patriarchal norms such as gender-based violence and workplace discrimination, advocating for fair work environments that help women balance family and career demands. She also encouraged women to overcome internal hurdles like low self-esteem and education barriers that hold them back.
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