FULafia holds public lecture to highlight girl-child challenges and proffer solutions

The Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) has recently held a public lecture to highlight challenges faced by the girl-child  in Nigeria and proffer solutions to them.

The event, organised by the Centre for Gender and Development Studies (CGDS) of the University, took place at the Twin Hall of the Mallam Adamu Adamu Lecture and Office Complex, Permanent Site Campus of FULafia.

In his address at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Shehu Abdul Raman, said that universities have roles to play in identifying and providing solutions to problems negating development of the girl-child, especially in Africa.

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He said that in FULafia, one of the strategies adopted to achieve the goals was the establishment of the Centre for Gender and Development Studies.

Abdul Rahman said the need for  girl-child to get educated cannot be overemphasised, adding that “any investment on the girl-child is an investment for the future wellbeing of humanity.”

He used the opportunity of the lecture to call for partnership on the issues affecting the girl-child between FULafia and other stakeholders. 

Delivering her address, the Director of the CGDS, Prof. Halima Idris Amali, said that the centre was established to undertake research on issues of gender and other related matters within the University community and its environs.

"Our primary focus is on conducting research in the field of women, gender and development studies," she said. 

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While thanking the  vice-chancellor for his support, Halima, called on stakeholders and well-spirited individuals to collaborate with the centre to actualise its mandate.

In their separate lectures, Prof. Aleruchi Chuku, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs, FULafia, and Dr Muhammad Abubakar, Head of Biochemistry Department, spoke on the need for the girl-child to be educated, challenging governments, parents and other stakeholders to work harder to meet the challenges faced by the girl-child with a view to empowering them.

Highlights of the events were the questions and answer and debate among invited schools to keep the girls abreast with the social effects of the internet. 

Some of the dignitaries at the event included Hajiya Hauwa Aliyu Oga-Doma, who served as the special guest at the event, Dr. Zainab Ahmed, who was the mother of the day, Prof. Ali Is'haq Shugaba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, FULafia, Prof. Samila Usman Dakyes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Partnerships, Prof Abiodun Iyoro, University Librarian, deans of faculties and directors departments of FULafia, Capt. U. Eze of Comammad School, Lafia, and Mrs. Oby Nwanfor, Principal of Gorgeous High School, Lafia.

The event had in attendance staff and students from the Command Secondary School, Lafia, Gorgeous High school, Lafia, Kaka Maina School of Science and Arabic Studies, Lafia,  Al-Furqan Science Academy, Lafia, Hill Academy, Lafia, Royal Scholars Schools, Lafia, Government Science School, Lafia, and students of Federal University of Lafia.