WOMEN AND HUMAN CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT IN TERTIARY INSTITUIONS IN OYO STATE(A STUDY OF THE POLYTECHNIC, IBADAN)

This study examined gender and human capacity development in tertiary institutions in Oyo State, with The Polytechnic, Ibadan as a case study. The research investigated the challenges faced by female academic staff, the impact of gender mainstreaming policies, the consequences of gender discrimination, and strategies for enhancing women’s participation in human capacity development. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with data collected through questionnaires administered to 50 female academic staff, of which 41 responses were retrieved and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.Findings revealed that women remain underrepresented in leadership and management positions, with male dominance still prevalent across faculties. Major challenges identified include limited access to training, trade-offs between family responsibilities and career advancement, inadequate research funding, lack of support for publications, and socio-cultural barriers. Results further indicated that gender discrimination and inequality have significant negative implications on the performance and promotion of female staff, contributing to marginalization and reduced research productivity. Although gender mainstreaming policies exist, their implementation in The Polytechnic, Ibadan was found to be weak, leading to continued inequities in academic appointments and promotions.The study concludes that closing gender gaps in tertiary institutions is essential for sustainable human capital development. It recommends stronger enforcement of gender equality policies, provision of research grants and career development opportunities for female staff, increased representation of women in management roles, and the abolition of socio-cultural practices that limit women’s participation. By addressing these challenges, tertiary institutions in Oyo State can create a more inclusive academic environment that harnesses the full potential of female intellectual contributions for national development.