Current Low Level of Women Participation in Decision Making, Unhealthy, Cannot Be Excused- Acting VC, UNIAbuja

By: Michael Mike

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 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”.

Current Low Level of Women Participation in Decision Making, Unhealthy, Cannot Be Excused- Acting VC, UNIAbuja

Unimaid joins nationwide ASUU warning strike

By: Bodunrin Kayode

University of Maiduguri has joined the warning strike called by the National Executive Council (NEC) of ASUU to press home series of demands linked to backlog of unsolved issues with the federal government of Nigeria.

Some of these issues linked to the development and peaceful existence of their members on campus include the foot dragging of the federal government over their legitimate dues like the three months salary arrears which the government is still holding on to.

A memo signed by the new chairman Mohammed Waziri and secretary Dr. Peter Teru stated that the warning strike would be total through out its two weeks duration as it would be well monitored for compliance.

In a release, made available to news men in maiduguri, he went on: “This is to notify all academic staff that the UNIMAID Branch of ASUU, in unwavering compliance with the directive of the National Executive Council (NEC) dated 13th October 2025 and in line with the resolutions adopted at the Branch Congress held on Wednesday, 15th October 2025, hereby calls on all members to adhere strictly to the total and comprehensive warning strike as directed by NEC, effective from 13th October 2025.

“Accordingly, all academic activities are hereby suspended. These include, but are not limited to: Lectures, examinations, Supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate projects/dissertation or thesis Accreditation exercises Statutory and ad-hoc Meetings inaugural and public lectures etc.

“We urge all members to remain resolute, vigilant, and uncompromising in the pursuit of our collective demands. Let no member engage in any action that may undermine the integrity of this struggle. The University Management has been duly notified of our position.

“This action is a principled stand in defense of our rights, the sanctity of collective bargaining, and the revitalization of the Nigerian University System.

” It is a call for improved conditions of service, adequate funding, and respect for agreements freely entered into. An injury to one is an injury to all. United we bargain, divided we beg! Solidarity forever!! ” said the release.

Unimaid joins nationwide ASUU warning strike

Chairman NAPPS seeks intervention for private schools in Nigeria

By: Yahaya Wakili

The Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Potiskum chapter, Malam Mohammed Sambo Adamu, has called on the federal and state governments to provide intervention to private schools in the country.

Mohammed, who is also the Director and Proprietor of Women Day Academy Potiskum, made the call today during the celebration of 2025 National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Day at St. Peters Academy and College Potiskum, Yobe State.

The Director of Women Day Academy further said the private schools are in need of intervention from the government in order to develop our school infrastructures and other things.

He revealed that over 70 schools are here today for celebrating Napps Day and drawing the attention of the Yobe State Government Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to come and intervene in the Napps, particularly because there are young schools that used to come up. 

“We need maximum cooperation and other things that will develop the schools in the Potiskum local government and its environment, including the grants and other things for rehabilitation and maintaining the schools,” the chairman added.

The chairman appreciates the effort of all people that extend their support to private schools and also appreciates the effort of all parents as well as the proprietors and directors of various schools that give us maximum cooperation to organize such programs.

Chairman NAPPS seeks intervention for private schools in Nigeria