Investigating Degree of Inequality in Public University Administration: The Case of Ambrose Alli University and University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria

Previous studies on gender equality in public universities were limited because they focused on the gender composition of the teaching and non-teaching staff. This study seeks to bridge this gap by examining gender equality/inequality status of the university management staff. The focus was on Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma and University of Benin (Uniben), Benin City, both in Edo State. The study relied on secondary data on staffing from both institutionswhile primary data were collected using question guide administered on key informants among the management cadre of the universities. Data were analysed using percentage, means, Chi-square test of proportion and content analysis characteristic of qualitative interviews. The findings revealed gender inequality in staffing among the management staff cadre between the two institutions (AAU: male = 88.13%, female = 11.87%; Uniben: male = 75.1%, female = 24.1%). The gender differences was significant in favour of male (χ2: AAU = 414.47; Uniben = 422.69). Similar trend in distribution was observed among principal officers of AAU with men constituting a total average of 83.33% and women 16.67%. Major factors identified by the key informants for the gender inequality included cultural/institutional and political factors, lack of basic educational qualifications, domestic duties and lack of mentorship. The study recommends among others, the need for women in management positions to mentor younger women while women in tertiary institutions should be encouraged to improve on the educational qualifications.