The Acting Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof. Matthew Adamu, has advocated for more women in positions of policy and decision making, insisting that the current low level of female participation is unhealthy and cannot be excused.
He made the call on Monday, 27 October, 2025 in Abuja at the induction ceremony of over 50 postgraduate students of the Centre for Gender Security Studies and Youth Advancement.
Adamu, who was represented at the occasion by his Senior Special Assistant on Academic Matters, Prof. Rhoda Mundi, stated that females constitute about 49.5 per cent of Nigeria’s population with males standing at 50.5 per cent, yet men continue to dominate the nation’s leadership and governance spaces.
The university don described the situation as a challenge that requires collective action, adding that gender imbalance continues to limit Nigeria’s development potential.
He decried that: “When you look at decision-makers and those who take part in decision-making, it is largely the male population. Yet, our population is almost evenly split between men and women,” insisting that: “No society can attain its full potential if half of its population is held back by discrimination or unequal access to opportunities”.
He advised the inductees to see their admission as a call to action, stating that: “This ceremony represents a commitment to learning, inquiry, and advancing the ideals of gender equality and social justice”.
He added that gender studies is a vital field that broadens understanding of how gender intersects with class, ethnicity, religion, and other social identities.
He said: “As students who will graduate from this institution, we expect that when you go out, you will make an impact. Upon graduation, there will be a difference between you who have graduated here, not just from the University of Abuja, but specifically from the Centre for Gender Security Studies and Youth Advancement”.
The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Hajiya Binta Bello asked the students to uphold discipline, integrity, and service as they prepare to contribute to national and global development.
Bello, who was represented by Hadiza Chiroma said: “You represent the next generation of leaders and change agents that our nation looks up to. Let this induction mark the beginning of a journey that will not only advance your academic pursuit but also position you to contribute meaningfully to national development and global human security.”
She commended the Centre for its consistent work in promoting gender equality, human security, and youth empowerment, noting that these ideals align with NAPTIP’s mandate to protect the dignity and rights of all persons, particularly women and youth vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
The Director of the Centre, Dr. Theresa Akpan while welcoming the inductees, reminded them that they are ambassadors of the Centre and urged them to put their knowledge into practice.
She said: “Gender is not a women’s issue but a shared social concern. Gender is not a woman thing; it’s for men and women. We want society to be balanced. So, if we all put our hands together, the society will be balanced, and all the injustices we are talking about will be done away with”.
