Meet Professor Ummu Ahmed Jalingo, who married at age 16 and became the first female Professor of Economics in Northern Nigeria
Meet Professor Ummu Ahmed Jalingo, who married at age 16 and became the first female Professor of Economics in Northern Nigeria.
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The distinguished Economist and academic was a guest speaker at an event organised by Centre for Information Development and Technology (CITAD) in Kano State.
Speaking at the event held on Thursday, she shared her journey from humble beginnings, marriage at 16, overcoming challenges and eventually achieving her professorship.
"The journey to reach the peak is never easy whether you are a man or woman, but it is even more difficult when you are a woman, but with resolve, commitment, and determination, you can navigate through successfully," she said.
"When my father enrolled me in school, he was calling me my doctor daughter because he wanted me to become a medical doctor.
"I am happy I have fulfilled my father's goal of becoming educated, though I did not become a medical doctor as my dad wanted, but I 've become a Professor of Economics and the first female to attain that position from northern Nigeria.
"Marriage doesn't stop a woman from fulfilling her dreams, I got married at the age of 16, but I am now a Professor of Economics. Just be organized, committed, and prayerful," she concluded.
Professor Ummu is a Non-Executive Director of the Board of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and has been a lecturer in Economics Department, BUK, for over 3 decades.
