Women have shown to be excellent leaders throughout the years. According to research and experience, women contribute unique perspectives to leadership positions. In this article, Daily Trust Saturday sheds light on the challenges women in the academia face with rising to leadership positions, while honouring the current female vice chancellors in Nigeria.
Based on online records, a mere 5.27 per cent of Nigeria’s vice chancellors since 1960 have been women. Presently, out of 270 universities in Nigeria, only 13 have female vice chancellors.
Several factors contribute to these low rates. Women often contend with marriage and motherhood responsibilities, which frequently consume the time they would otherwise dedicate to advancing in their careers.
Discussing the obstacles encountered by women in the academia, a senior lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri, Dr Amina Abana, highlighted various factors contributing to the underrepresentation of women as vice chancellors in Nigerian universities, particularly in the North, such as cultural and religious norms.
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Dr Abana said, “Specifically addressing the North, cultural, religious, and societal expectations regarding women’s roles play a significant role. For example, some Islamic scholars assert that women should not assume leadership positions. Additionally, male dominance in the academia, coupled with restricted access to mentoring and networking opportunities, gender biases and discrimination, as well as unequal access to resources and decision-making positions within the academic sphere, further compound the issue.”
Addressing the significance of female representation in leadership positions, Dr Abana emphasized that women bring valuable perspectives enriched by their experiences as mothers and mentors.
She said, “Women in the academia offer distinctive perspectives to leadership roles. These perspectives are largely shaped by their roles as mothers and mentors in the society, influencing their leadership approach. They often exhibit unique communication skills, empathy, employ a collaborative leadership style and adopt a holistic problem-solving approach, which can contribute significantly to fostering a supportive and empowering academic environment.”
In relation to the responsibility of academic establishments in reducing gender gaps in leadership positions, Dr Abana suggested initiatives that foster fairness, variety and involvement.
“Academic institutions should take proactive steps to address gender disparities in leadership roles by implementing policies and initiatives that promote gender equity and diversity. This include ensuring fair and transparent employment and promotion processes, offering access to leadership development programmes and mentorship opportunities tailored for women, and fostering a supportive and inclusive organisational culture. Additionally, instituting and enforcing policies to combat gender discrimination and harassment, alongside providing adequate resources and support for achieving work-life balance, can significantly contribute to creating more equitable leadership opportunities,” Dr Abana said.
Also, a professor of Broadcasting at the Ahmadu Bello University, Dr Ladi Sandra Adamu, told Daily Trust Saturday that there had been a noticeable increase in the number of female professors qualifying for the position of vice chancellors, signalling a positive shift.
She highlighted that historically, political and religious influences had favoured male professors with the position of vice chancellor often serving as a political reward, further pushing gender biases.
Dr Adamu emphasized the prevailing belief in Africa that men were inherently superior to women, leading to a tendency for women academics to settle for lower leadership positions, such as deans, directors and deputy vice chancellors.
She noted that multifaceted barriers faced by female academics, including religious, political and societal prejudices, as well as gender bias, continue to hinder their advancement to top leadership positions in Nigerian universities.
According to Dr Adamu, social, religious and cultural restrictions reinforce the idea that women are unfit for leadership positions by creating the impression of a male-dominated setting. She expressed her belief in the unique qualities and perspectives that women bring to leadership, emphasizing their transformative and nurturing nature, as well as their capacity for objective and humane reasoning.
Dr Adamu advocated academic institutions to prioritise gender equity in their operations and educational practices. She stressed the importance of instilling in the girl-child from an early age, the understanding that she is equal to her male counterparts, with only physical differences distinguishing them. By providing equal opportunities and fostering the right mindset, institutions can empower women to break barriers and fulfil their potentials.
Also, a professor of Communication and Language Arts in the University of Ibadan, Nkechi Christopher, said although there’s been a significant increase in the number female vice chancellors, more women needed to be emboldened and confident to campaign for the position.
She said, “The low rate of women in leadership roles is a challenge faced in all sectors of the country. Until women are bold enough to campaign and the minds of people are willing to accept a female leader, it will take time and effort for more women to ascend the position.”
She also highlighted that many women were torn between career progression and social responsibility.
She said, “As women, we are groomed to understand that our motherhood and marriage come before career. Any woman you see who is able to fully pursue a career while handling her social responsibilities has the full support of her husband and family; and not all women are lucky to have that.”
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Few women have defied the odds to lead some of the country’s universities. Below are some of them.
Lilian Salami – UNIBEN
Professor Lilian Salami assumed the role of the 10th substantive vice-chancellor at the University of Benin, Edo State. Born on August 8, 1956 in Jos, Plateau State, she is a home economist and former Dean of the Faculty of Education. Notably, Salami is the second female vice chancellor of the institution, following in the footsteps of Grace Alele Williams, the first female vice chancellor in Nigeria.
Salami was elected as the chairperson of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Federal Universities, becoming the second woman to hold this prestigious position.
Florence Obi – UNICAL
Professor Florence Obi made history as the 11th vice chancellor of the University of Calabar, breaking a 45-year streak. A professor of Special Needs, Education, Obi assumed the role on September 10, 2020, succeeding Prof Zana Akpagu. Prior to her appointment, she served as the deputy vice chancellor (academic) and held the position of Commissioner for Women Affairs in Cross River State. With a PhD in the Psychology of Education from the University of Calabar, Obi commenced her academic journey as an assistant lecturer at the Institute of Education, University of Calabar in 1990.
Prof Nnenna Oti – FUTO
Professor Nnenna Oti, a distinguished expert in Soil Science and Environmental Conservation, emerged as the first female and eighth substantive vice chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). Formerly the deputy vice chancellor (academics) of the institution, Oti’s academic journey includes leadership roles such as a two-time dean of the postgraduate school and a three-time head of the Department of Soil Science and Technology in the School of Agricultural and Agriculture Technology (SAAT). Oti’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Agriculture degree (first class) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a PhD in Soil and Environmental Conservation from FUTO, and other notable achievements.
Prof Ibiyemi Bello – LASU
Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello serves as the ninth vice chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU), making her the second female to hold this position in the Lagos State-owned tertiary institution.
A professor of Physiology, Ibiyemi was born on April 23, 1964 in Lagos. She assumed the role after serving as the acting vice chancellor of LASU. Notably, Ibiyemi is the wife of Tunji Bello, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources.
Prof Kaletapwa Farauta – ADSU
In 2020, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri appointed Prof Kaletapwa Farauta as the substantive vice chancellor of the Adamawa State University, Mubi. Before her appointment, she served as the acting vice chancellor of the institution.
Competing with 25 other candidates, she emerged as the successful candidate, solidifying her position as the first female to hold this position in the 41-year history of the university.
Prof Adenike Oladiji – FUTA
Professor (Mrs) Adenike Temidayo Oladiji is the eighth substantive vice chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure. With academic credentials, including a B.Sc in Biochemistry, second class (upper division) from the University of Ilorin, and a PhD in Biochemistry, Oladiji has made significant contributions to the academia. Joining the University of Ilorin in 1992, she progressed from the position of an assistant lecturer to become a professor in September 2011.
Prof Folasade Ogunsola – UNILAG
Professor Folasade Ogunsola, daughter of the late eminent geographer, Prof Akin Mabogunje, assumed the role of the 13th substantive vice chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
A professor of Clinical Microbiology, Ogunsola has served the university in various capacities, including as the provost of the College of Medicine in Idi Araba, Lagos, and as a deputy vice chancellor. Notably, she is the first female vice chancellor in the school’s 60-year history.
Prof Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye – LASUED
Professor Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, a distinguished scholar in Health Education, serves as the acting vice chancellor of the Lagos State University of Education. Born on February 2, 1972, on Lagos Island, Lagos State, she holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Health Education from the University of Ibadan. Her academic journey includes appointments as a lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Lagos State University and later as the provost of Adeniran Ogusanya College of Education, Ijanikin, before her current role as the acting vice chancellor.
Prof Chinedum Peace Babalola – Chrisland University
Prof Chinedum Peace Babalola became the vice chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, in November 2017. A professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry/Pharmacokinetics, she holds the distinction of being the first female pharmacy professor at the prestigious University of Ibadan and also served as the university’s first female Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy from 2013 to 2017. Throughout her career, she has published over 75 articles in reputable outlets and has been an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, University of British Columbia, Canada, Kilimanjaro School of Pharmacy, Tanzania, and Purdue University, USA.
Prof Adenike Kuku – Kings University
Prof Adenike Kuku took office as the substantive vice chancellor of Kings University on January 1, 2020. A professor of Biochemistry, she trained and held various positions at the Obafemi Awolowo University. She is a registered member of several academic and professional bodies and has widely published scholarly articles in reputable national and international journals.
Prof. Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde – Afe Babalola University
Prof Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde assumed the role of the acting vice chancellor of the Afe Babalola University on June 21, 2019. A professor of Law, she is a founding member of the first Nigerian Interdisciplinary Research Network on Social Sciences and Reproductive Health (SSRHN) at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, with research funded by Ford and McArthur Foundations. Prof. Olarinde, originally from Romania, is happily married to a Nigerian and is the mother of an ace on-air personality, Ifedayo Olarinde, popularly known as Daddy Freeze.
Prof Ibiyinka Fuwape – Michael and Cecilia Ibru University
Prof Ibiyinka Fuwape serves as the second substantive vice chancellor of the Michael and Cecilia Ibru University. Born in Lagos State on December 18, 1962, she earned her BSc, MSc and PhD from the University of Ibadan. Prof Fuwape was also a visiting scholar at Ohio University Athens, Ohio, United States of America (USA) from 2007 to 2009.
Prof Enase Felicia Okonedo – Pan Atlantic University
Prof Enase Felicia Okonedo, a professor of Management with over 30 years of experience in the financial services and management education sectors, assumed office as the vice chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University on January 1, 2022. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and received her doctorate from the International School of Management (ISM) in Paris, France. She also holds an MBA from the IESE Business School, University of Navarre, Spain, and a bachelor degree in Accounting from the University of Benin, Nigeria.
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