NKAE University

50.7%

of Ghana's population are women (2021 Census) — yet female enrollment in higher education remains lower than men's.

22.5%

of STEM graduates in Ghana are women, a gap driven partly by the belief that science is inherently suited for males because it is difficult.

32%

of full professors are women — limiting decision-making power, mentorship, and a pipeline into leadership and public policy.

If you educate a woman, you educate a nation.

~ Dr. James Emmanuel Kwegyir Aggrey

Consider this

NKAE University builds on Dr. Aggrey’s powerful statement to signal that, a University exclusively for women generates a ripple effect, uplifting families, communities, and the national economy of Ghana.

NKAE Educational Foundation believes that access to higher education, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and leadership development for women is non- negotiable for a thriving society.

NKAE University works to eliminate barriers and advance access, inclusive, affordable, equitable and quality higher education through a dynamic academic atmosphere congenial to women’s unique needs.

NKAE considers women’s specific biological, social, economic and political conditions that differ from men’s that are often underemphasized by normative pedagogy, policy, and practice in educational systems and operations.

We foster an environment free from timidity, intimidation, harassment, discrimination, and financial hardship.

We prepare women for critical solutions, who generate bright ideas, take bold initiatives, and leverage confidence and community connections for career readiness in high-growth and high-paying careers in science and technology, because when women learn without obstacles communities flourish.

Why NKAE University Matters

Education unlocks opportunity, yet barriers still hold women and girls back

In Ghana, females constitute 50.7 % of the population according to the 2021 Census figures, but the overall female enrollment is relatively lower than that of male students in the higher education system. Furthermore few females participate in leadership despite their capabilities, potentials, and eagerness. Non-Tuition Barriers, challenges including household chores, care for family members, access to reproductive healthcare, period poverty, affordable beauty supplies, support for pregnant and parenting students, disproportionately impact women pursuing higher education.

Underrepresentation in STEM and Leadership Fields

Women remain significantly underrepresented in STEM disciplines. The prevailing perception that science is a male dominated field, along with the belief that STEM disciplines are inherently suited for males because they are difficult, deter many girls from pursuing these subjects. In Ghana, only 22.5% of graduates in STEM fields are female. The underrepresentation of women in STEM impedes their ability to access the numerous opportunities within science, including teaching positions at Ghana’s Universities, high-growth and high-paying careers in AI, science and technology.

Underrepresentation in Academic Leadership, Governance and Public Policy

Women remain underrepresented in faculty and administrative leadership roles, making up only 32% of full professors. Female students access to leadership roles has been limited in higher education, limiting decision-making power and mentorship opportunities for women. This limitation translates into a short supply of females with leadership acumen and name recognition for political positions and appointments. Using the classroom space, and a leadership training framework for women, NKAE is addressing this shortage by creating a future pipeline of women who will potentially assume leadership roles in political governance to influence policy for equality for all.

NKAE University Taking Action

NKAE University works to break down barriers in education by advancing the principle that when women receive quality education, leadership training and technology skills, they continue to serve as powerful agents of change in their communities.

".. Women carry humanity, and without them, society cannot exist"

~ Angélique Kidjo