Papers by Ruth (Faga Igben) Tilley Gyado PhD
The ongoing debates surrounding sex, gender and identity have produced conceptual confusion in bo... more The ongoing debates surrounding sex, gender and identity have produced conceptual confusion in both academic and public discourse. While biology establishes the constancy of sex through chromosomal and reproductive markers, sociology explains the fluidity of gender roles within cultural contexts, psychology on the other hand has increasingly advanced gender identity as an inner sense of self construct. This paper introduces the Gyado Theory of Gender Identity, which argues for a categorical separation between these three domains: sex as biological, gender roles as sociological, and gender identity as psychological. By situating gender identity within psychology rather than biology or sociology, this framework restores conceptual clarity and reduces contradictions in research, policy and lived experience. Drawing from biology, sociology, and psychology, this paper demonstrates how conflation of categories has fueled medical risks, cultural conflicts and policy missteps. The Gyado Theory provides a corrective theory by identifying gender identity as a psychological construct that, like other psychological experiences, may be deeply felt but does not alter biological constants.
This paper critically examines the phenomenon of "gender wars" as a defining feature of contempor... more This paper critically examines the phenomenon of "gender wars" as a defining feature of contemporary social discourse. The term captures the contentious debates over gender roles, rights, and representation, which have intensified in the digital age through the amplification and distortion of narratives on social media platforms. While gender conflicts are not new, their current manifestations are deeply shaped by historical legacies of patriarchy and resistance, as well as the evolving demands of feminist and intersectional movements (Hooks 2000; Crenshaw 1991). Drawing on cultural and communication theories, the paper situates gender wars within broader struggles over identity, power, and justice. It explores how digital spaces simultaneously serve as arenas for feminist activism and as breeding grounds for anti-feminist backlash, highlighting the role of the "manosphere" and online counter-movements (Banet-Weiser 2018; Ging 2019). The paper also interrogates the influence of media and popular culture in reinforcing gender stereotypes while offering new models of empowered femininities and masculinities. By foregrounding intersectionality. Ultimately, the study argues that framing gender issues as adversarial "wars" obscures possibilities for dialogue and collaboration. It proposes instead an inclusive and empathetic approach to gender relations grounded in education, mutual respect and social justice as a pathway toward transforming conflict into constructive engagement.
This paper explores the significance, applications, and future potential of Educational Theatre w... more This paper explores the significance, applications, and future potential of Educational Theatre within the Nigerian context. In a nation grappling with systemic educational challenges ranging from underfunded schools to disengaged learners. Educational Theatre emerges as a transformative pedagogical tool capable of fostering critical thinking, empathy, civic consciousness, and active learning. Drawing on both Nigerian case studies and global examples, the study examines how theatre has been employed in schools, conflict resolution, public health campaigns, and community development initiatives. It highlights key methods such as Augusto Boal's Forum Theatre and Theatre for Development, with examples from Jos, Kaduna, and Northern Nigeria, demonstrating theatre's power to provoke dialogue and behavioral change in diverse social settings. The paper further reviews international applications of Educational Theatre in South Africa, Canada, the United States, and the UK, illustrating its cross-cultural adaptability and effectiveness. Finally, the paper advocates for strategic curriculum integration, public-private partnerships, digital innovation, and research-driven policy development to institutionalize Educational Theatre in Nigeria. It concludes that theatre, far from being a peripheral or decorative element, should be embraced as a central component of education and national development.
This article explores the complex intersection of gender and corruption in Nigeria's political la... more This article explores the complex intersection of gender and corruption in Nigeria's political landscape from 1999 to 2025, focusing on the increasing participation of women in governance alongside their involvement in high profile corruption cases. While the return to democracy in 1999 marked a significant shift toward gender inclusion with successive administrations including those of Presidents Obasanjo, Yar'Adua, Jonathan and Buhari appointing women to ministerial and leadership roles the promise of equitable and transparent governance has often been undermined by persistent systemic issues. Through detailed case studies of female political figures such as Diezani Alison-Madueke, Patricia Etteh, Cecilia Ibru, Adenike Grange, Sadiya Umar Farouq, Betta Edu, and Iyabo Obasanjo, the article illustrates that corruption in Nigeria transcends gender, reflecting broader institutional weaknesses rather than individual ethical failings alone. Drawing on academic sources and investigative reports, it argues that while gender inclusion is vital, it must be accompanied by comprehensive institutional reform, stronger accountability frameworks, and transparent governance mechanisms. The article contributes to a nuanced understanding of women's roles in Nigerian politics, advocating for reforms that support both gender equity and systemic integrity in public service.
Femicide, the gender-based killing of women, has become a growing human rights concern in Nigeria... more Femicide, the gender-based killing of women, has become a growing human rights concern in Nigeria, reflecting a broader global crisis of violence against women. This article examines the multifaceted factors contributing to the rise of femicide in Nigeria, including patriarchal norms, gender inequality, intimate partner violence, harmful cultural practices, economic dependence, and weak legal frameworks. Drawing from scholarly research, reports from human rights organizations, and case studies and the article explores the psychological, social, and economic consequences of femicide, both for survivors and society at large. Additionally, it discusses the role of the media in shaping public awareness and influencing policy. The article highlights several high profile cases, such as the murder of Uwaila Omozuwa and Blessing Olajide, illustrating the systemic issues at play. Finally, it proposes solutions and interventions, including the strengthening of legal protections, promoting gender equality, supporting economic empowerment for women, improving access to support services, and leveraging media advocacy. The findings underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to combat femicide and ensure the safety and dignity of women and girls in Nigeria.
Trauma profoundly impacts mental health, influencing emotional, cognitive and behavioral function... more Trauma profoundly impacts mental health, influencing emotional, cognitive and behavioral functioning. The emphasis of this paper is to understand the intricate relationship between trauma and mental health, emphasizing its effects on individuals and society. Trauma, whether acute, chronic, or complex, can manifest in various forms, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as exposure to violence or disasters. These experiences often lead to mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. This paper highlights the biological, psychological, and social mechanisms underlying trauma's effects and examines its long term consequences on overall well-being. Drawing from empirical studies, it also discusses interventions, including therapy, community support, and policy measures, to mitigate the adverse effects of trauma on mental health.
The practice of bride price, known as kwase-kemen in Tiv culture, has been a fundamental part of ... more The practice of bride price, known as kwase-kemen in Tiv culture, has been a fundamental part of marriage customs in Tivland. Originally, Tiv people had diverse marriage practices, including elopement (kwase tsuen), capture (kwase-ngohol), and exchange (yamshe) but the colonial administration institutionalized bride price in 1927 as the only legal form of marriage. This study examines the historical evolution, socioeconomic implications, and gendered impact of bride price in Tiv marriages. This study highlights how the exclusion of women from bride price negotiations reinforces patriarchal structures and contributes to their marginalization within marital and societal frameworks. The research explores the financial strain of bride price on families, its role in reinforcing male authority, and its consequences for women's agency in marriage. Additionally, it discusses how the bride price system perpetuates the ostracization of women in Tivland by limiting their decision-making power and economic independence. To address these issues, this study proposes reforms, including the active involvement of women in marital negotiations, reassessment of the financial burden of bride price, and the promotion of gender equality through education and advocacy. By integrating historical analysis with contemporary perspectives, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of how bride price has shaped Tiv marriage and gender relations. The findings emphasize the need for a more inclusive and equitable marital system that preserves cultural heritage while promoting the rights and autonomy of women in Tiv society.
The Nigerian film industry popularly known as Nollywood is a multibillion-dollar industry that pr... more The Nigerian film industry popularly known as Nollywood is a multibillion-dollar industry that produces movies and television programmes more than Hollywood of the United States of America and second place to Bollywood of India in terms of the quantity of movies produced in a year. The ingenuity and inventiveness of Nigerian filmmakers who from a shaky homemade movie on VHS cameras is now the second most prolific film industry in the world. It is estimated that Nollywood employs more than one million people, produces about 50 films weekly as well as contribute tremendously to the country's GDP. This is a big milestone. It is obvious that digitization has come to stay. The world is transiting and mutating every minute. Cultures are syncretizing and hybridizing and therefore cultural purity is destroyed. This paper is anchored on the theory of intermediality where two media come to play for the advancement of each other. A Nollywood film can be created from an indigenous perspective and used the digitized medium to market it. Here, a handshake or a kind of synergy is developed for the benefit of all. The focus in this paper therefore is to discuss how most of these films developed from the philosophies and cultures of the indigenous people can be marketed and internationalized through the instrumentality of the digital platforms. This paper concludes that effective marketization of indigenous films is possible as a consequence of boundary limitlessness signposted and championed by globalization.
Jos Journal of Oral and Written Literature, 2021
In Nigeria and indeed the world over, the question of families preferring male children over fema... more In Nigeria and indeed the world over, the question of families preferring male children over female children has been a discus that is not about to end soon. In Nigeria and some countries in Africa where patriarchy is imbedded in the culture, the mother son relationship is worthy of study as this helps in understanding why these socities are very sentimental about their sons. The mother son relationship is still a big phenomenon. The relationship between mothers and sons worth interrogating as this has become topic in mainstream media. This is why in countries like Nigeria, the film industry is very passionate about depicting these imagery in films. When the film industry begins to amplify certain imagery in video productions, then perhaps, it is time for intellectuals to begin to deconstruct such issues as to find the right answers to them.
Uploads
Papers by Ruth (Faga Igben) Tilley Gyado PhD