A call for a women-only University of Technology in Nigeria

Technology represents the practical application of scientific knowledge and tools aimed at addressing societal challenges or achieving specific objectives. It comprised a spectrum of innovations, processes, and systems designed to enhance efficiency, productivity, or introduce new capabilities across different domains such as communication, agriculture, transportation, finance, housing, healthcare, education, and entertainment.

In today’s world, technology serves as a driving force, propelling nations into a race to lead the technological frontier, with a steady influx of remarkable products and advancements.

Despite Nigeria’s statistical data indicating a higher population of women compared to men, there remains a notable gender gap in the technology sector. Failing to integrate women into this realm not only represents a significant loss for Nigeria but also for the global community as a whole.

In my article published in this newspaper on April 22, 2024, titled “Women and Artificial Intelligence: Breaking the Glass Ceiling,” I highlighted the under-representation of women in technology-based disciplines in Nigeria, which serves as the springboard for their under-representation in the realm of artificial intelligence, despite its growing significance in the field of technology. The article makes it evident that women’s voices are lacking in the development of intelligent systems due to the male dominance in these fields. These factors motivated me to advocate for the establishment of a women-only University of Technology in Nigeria, similar to those found in other parts of the world.  

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Women-only universities were established in other parts of the world to provide women access to courses historically dominated by men, promoting inclusivity in these fields. In Nigeria, technology-based courses, particularly in computer science, engineering, and medicine, are highly male-dominated, with very few women participating. 

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly pervasive in society, the absence of women’s creativity and ideas in the field is notable. These women-only universities typically help address gender disparities in technology-based fields and promoting gender equality by providing women with the skills and confidence needed to succeed. Women-only universities and colleges continue to play a vital role in empowering women and promoting gender equality in education and beyond in other part of the world. 

Given the current under-representation of women in technology-based fields in Nigeria, a women-only University of Technology could enhance participation: increase women’s participation in technology, engineering, and related fields. It will promote innovation to ensure that women’s creativity and ideas are included in the development of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence. It will further close gender gaps in education and employment in high-demand sectors.

Addressing the perception that technology-based courses are predominantly male-dominated is crucial for encouraging more women to pursue these fields. Many women hesitate to enroll in such courses due to the prevailing belief that they are not meant for them. 

The disproportionate gender representation, with a majority of men and only a few women, often makes many female students feel uncomfortable. However, establishing a women-only universities of technology in Nigeria could significantly shift this narrative. By creating an environment where all students across all departments are women, without a single male presence, this university would eliminate the perception of these courses as male-dominated. In such an environment, disciplines like Computer Science, Mechatronics, or Civil Engineering would become exclusively female spaces, free from the intimidation or discomfort caused by male dominance.

This approach could have multifaceted benefits. Firstly, it would empower women to confidently pursue their interests in technology-related fields, knowing they are entering an inclusive and supportive educational environment. Additionally, by showcasing the success and achievements of female students in these disciplines, the university would challenge stereotypes and inspire more young women to consider careers in technology based courses. Moreover, the existence of a women-only University of Technology could reassure parents who may have concerns about their daughters entering traditionally male-dominated fields. 

The assurance of an environment where their daughters can thrive academically without facing gender-based obstacles could lead to increased enrollment and support from families. Overall, establishing a women-only University of Technology in Nigeria has the potential to not only increase female representation in technology fields but also foster a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape.

The concept of women-only universities has existed for many years in other parts of the world. It may come as a surprise to many readers that such universities exclusively cater to women students. In these universities, only women lecturers and professors are employed, with rare exceptions occurring when a course lacks woman expertise, prompting the engagement of a male lecturer or professor to deliver the course content to women students.

Here are examples of women’s colleges and universities across the world: In the UK, Newnham College, University of Cambridge, founded in 1871, and Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge, are exclusively for women. In Japan, Ochanomizu University in Tokyo, founded in 1875, and Nara Women’s University in Nara, established in 1949, are also exclusive for women. South Korea’s Ewha Women’s University in Seoul, founded in 1886, and Australia’s Women’s College at the University of Sydney, founded in 1892, are both exclusively for women. In Pakistan, Fatima Jinnah Women University in Rawalpindi is exclusively for women. In Saudi Arabia, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh is a women-only university and the largest women’s university in the world. Canada has Brescia University College in London, Ontario, which is for women. In the USA, many women’s-only universities and colleges historically exist, though some have started admitting men.

Given the long history of women-only universities and colleges, their impact on female education and empowerment is well-documented. These institutions have traditionally provided safe and supportive environments for women to pursue higher education, particularly in fields where they have been historically underrepresented.

In light of this, I urge the Nigerian government to establish six women-only universities of technology, one in each geopolitical zones.

This initiative could serve as a pilot study to examine the potential benefits and challenges of such institutions. By creating these specialised universities, we hope to significantly boost the enrollment of women in technology-based courses, thereby bridging the existing gender gap in these critical fields.    

 Chiroma is an Asst. Professor of Artificial Intelligence University of Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia, [email protected]