A pioneering initiative addressing gender disparity in Higher Education leadership positions took centre stage at Kaduna State University (KASU) on 25th and 26th June 2024. Spearheaded by a collaborative effort between KASU and York St. John University, funded by the British Council, the “Gender and Leadership in Higher Education” project hosted a transformative workshop.
Dr. Olalekan Adekola and Prof. Hauwa’u Evelyn Yusuf lead the project as Principal Investigators (PI’s) from York St John University and KASU respectively, with Dr. Asma’u M. Ahmed and Mrs. Bashariya Mustapha Baba serving as Deputy Leads from KASU’s Department of Geography.
During the workshop, stakeholders buttressed the importance of inclusive mentoring in cultivating future leaders within Higher Education Institutions. In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of KASU, Prof. Abdullahi I. Musa stressed the university’s commitment to gender equality, highlighting the contributions of capable female leaders in its current management team. Prof. Musa also formalized the university’s support by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the workshop organizers.
The Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Human Services and Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu representing Kaduna State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, lauded the initiative and underlined the administration’s dedication to promoting women’s inclusion in leadership roles.
A panel discussion titled “The Issues, Challenges, Opportunities, and Solutions” featured insights from Prof. John G. Laah, Barr. Samira Balarabe (Registrar of KASU), and Haj. Wasila Sani Saulawa, exploring pervasive gender stereotypes that hinder progress and proposing actionable solutions.
The workshop, which drew participants from across the state, included interactive sessions and a certificate award ceremony. Attendees were encouraged to apply their newfound knowledge to advance gender equity in their professional endeavours.
Key university figures including DVC Academic Prof. Yusha’u Ibrahim Ango, DVC Strategy, Innovation, and Service Delivery Prof. Helen Afang Andow, and the university Bursar, Hajiya Hauwa’u Muhammad Dalhat, among others, lent their support to the event.
Signed,
Adamu Nuhu Bargo
Public Relations Officer,
Kaduna State University.