Are Females Only Good In Back Seat In YaGUSUG?: A Call for Inclusivity and Justice

In a world increasingly recognizing the transformative power of women in leadership, it is disheartening to observe the persistent gender gap in governance structures, even within progressive institutions like Yakubu Gowon University, formerly the University of Abuja. Established in 1988, this esteemed institution has yet to elect a democratic female president of its Student Union Government (SUG), a glaring omission that reflects a broader systemic failure to prioritize female inclusivity in leadership roles. Despite historical and contemporary evidence of women’s remarkable contributions to governance globally, the university’s new SUG constitution shockingly omits provisions for female representation, perpetuating an injustice that undermines both equity and the institution’s potential for excellence. It is time to rewrite this narrative and ensure women are not relegated to the “back chair” but are empowered to lead at the forefront of decision-making.

The case for women in leadership is not a modern invention but a timeless truth, evidenced by the remarkable contributions of women across history. In biblical times, figures like Deborah, a prophetess and judge, exemplified leadership with wisdom and courage, guiding Israel through turbulent times with unparalleled decisiveness (Judges 4-5). Her legacy demonstrates that women have long possessed the capacity to lead with authority and vision, challenging patriarchal norms even in ancient societies.

In modern history, women have continued to reshape the global leadership landscape. In the United States, trailblazers like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a Supreme Court Justice, transformed the judiciary by advocating for gender equality and civil rights, leaving an indelible mark on American law and society. Her intellectual rigor and commitment to justice highlight the unique perspectives women bring to leadership, fostering inclusivity and fairness.

In Nigeria, women like Chief Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti have left an enduring legacy. A pioneering activist and suffragist, she founded the Abeokuta Women’s Union and played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s independence movement, challenging colonial oppression and advocating for women’s rights. Similarly, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s former Finance Minister and the first African woman to serve as Director-General of the World Trade Organization, has demonstrated how women’s leadership can drive economic reform and global cooperation. These women, among others including our Vice-Chancellor,  Prof. Patricia Manko Lar, have proven that female leadership is not only desirable but essential for societal progress.

The absence of female representation in Yakubu Gowon University’s SUG leadership is a stark reminder of the persistent gender gap in Nigerian higher education. The previous University of Abuja constitution made a modest attempt to address this by mandating that each faculty produce at least one female representative in the Students’ Representative Assembly (SRA), with non-compliance resulting in the nullification of elections. This provision, though limited, was a step toward ensuring women had a voice in decision-making. Yet, the new SUG constitution, enacted under the university’s rebranded identity, shockingly omits any mention of female inclusivity—a regression that dismisses the contributions of women and undermines the principles of equity and representation.

The failure to include gender-inclusive provisions in the new constitution is not merely an oversight; it is a deliberate silencing of half the student population. During the constitutional drafting process, calls for female representation were ignored, even by some female committee members, revealing a troubling internalization of patriarchal norms. This lack of advocacy is a shame for womanhood and a betrayal of the university’s responsibility to foster an inclusive environment. The claim that women “are not here to lead” is not only baseless but contradicts the evidence of women’s leadership potential across history and contexts.

The university’s history further underscores this injustice. Since its establishment in 1988, Yakubu Gowon University has never elected a female SUG president. The brief tenure of Hon. Edwina Okoro, who assumed leadership following the controversial resignation of Hon. YBB, was a fleeting moment of female representation, marred by limited authority and lack of formal recognition. This pattern of relegating women to interim or secondary roles perpetuates a cycle of exclusion, denying female students the opportunity to shape the university’s governance and future.

The exclusion of women from leadership is not just a disservice to women but to humanity as a whole. Research and real-world examples demonstrate that diverse leadership enhances decision-making and fosters innovation. Women leaders often bring empathy, inclusivity, and a focus on collective welfare—qualities that are critical for addressing complex challenges in academic and societal contexts. For instance, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) highlights how women’s empowerment in governance strengthens democracy by creating more representative and stable societies. In Nigeria, initiatives like the Young Women’s Leadership Training Program (YWLTP) have empowered young women to overcome gender biases, equipping them with the skills to lead effectively.

At Yakubu Gowon University, female inclusivity in the SUG would not only address historical imbalances but also inspire a new generation of women leaders. The university’s failure to elect a female president reflects a broader cultural resistance to women’s leadership, rooted in outdated notions of gender roles. This resistance is particularly disheartening in an academic institution, which should be a beacon of progress and enlightenment. By excluding women from leadership, the university risks stifling diverse perspectives and perpetuating a cycle of marginalization.

The current election period presents a critical opportunity to correct this injustice. Students, faculty, and administrators must rally to ensure that women are not only included but celebrated as leaders. The following steps can pave the way for meaningful change:

• Amend the SUG Constitution: The university must urgently revise the SUG constitution to include mandatory gender quotas, such as reserving a percentage of leadership positions for women or reinstating the requirement for female SRA representation. These measures, as seen in countries like Rwanda and South Africa, have significantly increased women’s political representation.

• Support Female Candidates: Student organizations should actively mentor and support female candidates, providing them with the resources and platforms needed to compete effectively. Initiatives like those by UN Women in Nigeria, which have trained young women like Zainab Sulaiman Umar to run for office, serve as a model for empowering female students.

• Raise Awareness and Challenge Norms: The university community must engage in campaigns to challenge stereotypes about women’s leadership. Workshops, debates, and forums can highlight the contributions of women leaders and inspire students to advocate for inclusivity.

• Celebrate Female Role Models: The university should honor the achievements of women like Professor Patricia Manko Lar, recently appointed as Acting Vice Chancellor, as symbols of female excellence and leadership potential. Her appointment is a testament to what women can achieve when given the opportunity.

 

The exclusion of women from leadership at Yakubu Gowon University is a grave injustice that contradicts the global movement toward gender equality and the historical legacy of women who have transformed societies. From Deborah in biblical times to Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Nigeria, women have proven their ability to lead with vision, compassion, and impact. The university must act swiftly to amend its SUG constitution, support female candidates, and foster a culture of inclusivity. By doing so, it can set a powerful example for other institutions and contribute to a more equitable future. Let us rally together to ensure that women are not confined to the back chair but are empowered to lead at the table of decisions, rewriting the narrative for Yakubu Gowon University and beyond.