Abstract

Author:

Olowosulu S.S., Aronu, C. O.

Doi: 10.26480/seps.02.2025.57.66

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

This study investigates the multidimensional nature of gender inequality across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, focusing on disparities in political representation, educational attainment, and labour force participation. By employing gender ratios and composite indicators such as the Gender Inequality Index (GII) and Gender Equality Index (GEI), the analysis reveals entrenched structural disparities. Political representation exhibits the greatest imbalance, with a national average gender ratio of only 9.78%,ranging from 16.8% in the South East to 4.41% in the North West. Educational attainment records a higher average gender ratio of 69.79%, but significant regional inequities persist, especially in the North West and North East. Labour force participation presents a nuanced picture, with higher female ratios in some northern states but without corresponding educational or political inclusion. The analysis further reveals significantheterogeneity across states, as evidenced by a high τ² of 128,239,554.78 and I² of 99.96%, indicating systemic, rather than random, variability. The GII highlights pronounced disparities, with values ranging from18,177 in Sokoto to 213,992 in Enugu. Using random-effects meta-analysis, correlation matrices, choropleth maps, radar charts, and ratio-based plots, the study provides a comprehensive visual and statistical understanding of gender gaps. Key policy recommendations include enforceable gender quotas, education to-employment pathways, regional strategies, robust gender data systems, civic awareness campaigns, legal reforms, and digital/financial inclusion initiatives. The findings call for integrated, data-driven, and context sensitive policies to advance SDGs 5 and 10 and promote inclusive national development.