Challenges of Women Participation in Continuing Higher Education Programme: Implications for Adult Women Counselling and Education

Abstract

This paper investigated the challenges or constraints of women in continuing higher education programme with particular focus on the B.Ed part-time programme of the University of Lagos. A simple survey research design was employed to explore the issue. A 15 item questionnaire supplemented with oral interview sessions provided the data used for the study. The study involved 150 randomly selected women in B.Ed part-time programme of the University of Lagos. The sample was drawn from across three Departments in the Faculty. The data collected were analyzed using mean score, frequency count and simple percentages. The findings of the study showed that the major constraints or challenges of women participants in the programme include time constraints, increasing marital demand, poor economic or financial base, poor learning environment, lack of encouragement from employers and spouse, increasing social pressure and poor psychological disposition. The implications of study for women’s counselling and education were highlighted. Based on the findings, recommendations were also proffered.

Keywords: Challenges, Women’s participation, Continuing higher education, Implication, Counselling and Education.