METHODS: All residents that passed through the various departments in the four dental schools before 2000, and on the programme January 2000 were collected. Data recollection on residents was repeated in January 2004. The data was analysed according to sex and areas of specialization.
RESULTS: More men were on the residency programme before 2000, oral surgery/pathology was their main area of specialization. There was a steady rise in participation by women from 44.4 percent to 54.4 percent from 2000 to 2004. Female involvement in oral surgery/pathology rose from 23.3 percent in 2000 to 32.4 percent in 2004. Child Dental Health (Peadodontics/Orthodontics) was dominated by women, 68.5 percent in 2000, which remained relatively unchanged in 2004 with 63percent. New areas of specialization like General Dental practice is preferred by women with 80 percent in 2004.
CONCLUSION: Postgraduate education in Nigeria is evolving from a predominately male programme to that of female dominance, which may translate into more women occupying leadership position in dentistry in the near future.