AKSU Journal of Communication Research (AJCR)

Mentorship and Women’s Career Advancement in Public Relations in North Central Nigeria

Author:  Achetu Adejor, Assistant Lecturer; Leman Francis Sunday, PhD, Associate Professor & Bulus Comfort, PhD, Senior Lecturer

Abstract
Despite the increasing feminisation of the public relations (PR) profession globally and in Nigeria, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions, particularly in North Central Nigeria where cultural and institutional barriers persist. This study examined mentorship as a strategic mechanism for advancing women’s careers in the PR industry in the region. Anchored in Kram’s Mentor Role and Transformational Leadership Theories, the research explored how mentorship contributes to career development, leadership preparation, and confidence building among female PR professionals. Adopting a qualitative, exploratory phenomenological design, the study draws on semi-structured interviews with mid- and senior-level female PR practitioners across North Central Nigeria. Data were analysed thematically to capture participants’ lived experiences. Findings revealed that while mentorship is widely valued and positively influences professional growth, access to structured mentorship programmes remains inconsistent. Formal mentorship enhances promotion readiness and institutional visibility, whereas informal mentorship provides stronger psychosocial support and confidence building. However, barriers such as gender bias, hierarchical organisational cultures, limited female representation in senior roles, and inadequate institutional frameworks restrict the effectiveness of mentorship. The study concluded that institutionalised, inclusive, and well-supported mentorship systems are essential for dismantling systemic gender barriers and promoting sustainable career advancement for women in Nigeria’s PR industry.