Gender, Leadership and Career Advancement in Higher Education Institutions in Nigeria and Ghana

Abstract Higher Education Institutions ( HEI s) in most societies globally are perceived to be structured in an imbalanced way, such that one gender is of advantage over the other, most times the male gender. Extant research on gender and leadership has been criticised on different grounds, such as including a one-sided focus, the lack of gendered perspectives, and a neglect of structural, cultural and historical factors in research. This study interrogates the notion that the HEI s are gendered; examines the factors answerable for gender disparities in leadership positions in the selected universities in Nigeria and Ghana; and identifies ways leadership affects each gender’s career advancement in the selected institutions. The qualitative research method was adopted to elicit information from purposely selected men and women, who have held leadership positions, and those who aspired, but were denied in the selected universities. The study utilises the in-depth and key informant interview techniques. It concludes that women still remain under-represented in most male dominated higher education decision making positions, as a result of the institutional climate which does not give adequate room for gender equality and inclusiveness.