The Role of Women in Music Education in Tertiary Institution of South West Nigeria: Gender Barriers and Opportunities in the 21st Century

Abstract

Contribution of women to the sustenance of cultural values in traditional African society through folksongs and folktales still remain culturally significant and relevant to the growth and development of music education programme in Nigerian system of Education. Inspite of seemingly challenges facing the education of women generally in contemporary Africa, and specifically Nigeria, the need for more women in music in Tertiary Institutions in South West Nigeria cannot be over emphasized. Therefore, this study examines some of the challenges confronting the education of women in Nigeria and prospects available to women in music in Tertiary institutions in Nigeria. This study is relevant to Education-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) four, five and eight which focus on Quality Education, Gender Equality and Decent work and Economic Growth. The findings of this study revealed that inspite of challenges confronting the education of women in Nigeria, the contribution of women in music-to-music scholarship remains relevant and needed for the advancement of music education in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that more women should be encouraged by the government at various levels through sustainable policy reforms to enhance their access to quality education and gender equality which will enhance their access to decent work and economic growth.