The study examines university leadership strategies for advancing gender equity in higher education administration, focusing on public and private institutions in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. Persistent gender disparities in leadership stem from cultural biases, structural barriers, and inadequate policies. The effectiveness of leadership models—including transformational, transactional, distributed, and feminist approaches—is assessed. Transformational leadership fosters empowerment and inclusivity, while distributed leadership strengthens shared governance and equity. Challenges such as resistance to change and work-life balance issues are explored. Key strategies, including gender-sensitive policies, mentorship, and leadership training, are identified as crucial for promoting women in leadership. A comparative analysis of governance structures in public and private universities highlights unique challenges and successes. Case studies from Nigerian and global institutions offer insights into effective reforms. The study concludes with recommendations for further research on emerging leadership models and global trends in gender equity.

 

Key words: Gender equity, university leadership, higher education, Nigeria, Africa.