Education for National Development: A Study of Experience of Tiv Women of Benue State: 1900-2006

Abstract

This aim of the paper is to discuss how the education of Tiv women has impacted on national development. Through the use of primary and secondary sources, the paper conceptualizes the concept of education. It also discusses some of the importance of education to women. Some of them are: education increases the chance of women breaking out of the poverty cycle, Tiv women are able to secure greater power to make decisions relevant in the family and the wider community, they are provided with the better life skills they need to make informed choices and to develop both economic and intellectual independence, they also gain self-esteem along with knowledge acquired through education amongst others. The study also highlights some constraints affecting the education of Tiv women of Benue State. These include: the economic, religious and social headings. Some recommendations are proffered by the paper to include some of the following: Parents should give equal treatment and opportunities especially as it concerns education to children not minding their sexes, the state government should as a matter of urgency, Gender stereotyping which is a prominent feature of Tiv traditional education should be discarded with immediate effect

Keywords: education, women, pre-colonial, colonial, post-colonial, Tiv women