By Tajudeen Babamale
Scholars and gender advocates have commended the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, for establishing the Centre for Gender Studies(CGS), describing it as a bold and progressive step towards promoting inclusivity, equity, and empowerment within the academic community and beyond.
This commendation was jointly expressed by Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi of the Amandia Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement; Prof. Katarina Popović of the Department of Andragogy, University of Belgrade, Serbia; and Dr. Olufunmilayo O. Banjo, immediate past Ag. Director of the Centre for Gender and Social Policy Studies (CGSPS), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, when they paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor as part of a week-long programme organised by the Centre to unveil its mandate, vision, and mission.
Erelu Adeleye-Fayemi, who is also a former First Lady of Ekiti State, expressed her satisfaction with the growing recognition of gender studies in Nigerian higher institutions, noting that, gender studies, which was once dismissed decades ago, had now become a crucial area of scholarship.
While observing that women have made remarkable progress in academia, whether in teaching and administrative positions, serving as role models for younger generations, She commended the Vice Chancellor Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, on his strong political will in supporting the establishment of the Centre, describing it as a demonstration of the institution’s commitment to full and equal participation of women in national development.
In her remarks, Prof. Katarina Popović of the Department of Andragogy, University of Belgrade, Serbia, expressed delight at the establishment of the CGS at the University of Ilorin, describing it as a concrete and commendable step towards achieving gender equality in academia.
She noted that through her extensive work with the United Nations and UNESCO on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on gender equality, she had observed that while many countries engage in rhetoric about gender inclusion, a few take tangible actions. According to her, the University of Ilorin has demonstrated a practical commitment by integrating gender studies into academic and institutional frameworks.
Prof. Popović opined that grassroots organisations working to support women play an important role, but sustainable change requires integration into academic structures where knowledge production and policy direction are shaped. She described Unilorin’s initiative as a model that would resonate across Africa and beyond, noting that gender equality is not merely an act of benevolence but a fundamental element of social, political, and economic development.
On her part, a former Director of the Centre for Gender & Social Policy Studies (CGSPS), Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), Ile Ife, Dr Olufunmilayo O. Banjo, also commended the University administration for supporting the establishment of the Centre, noting that it reflects a genuine commitment to addressing the challenges faced by women in academia. She urged the leadership of the Centre to remain resolute in confronting gender-related issues among staff and students.
