NSUK VC Champions Gender Equality, Resilience At Maiden International Conference

The Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, has called for stronger commitment to gender equality, inclusion and resilience as essential pillars for addressing contemporary societal challenges and building equitable futures.

Professor Liman made the call on Thursday, November 5, 2026, while declaring open the maiden international conference organised by the University's Centre for Gender Studies at the University Assembly Hall. The conference was themed “Gender, Crisis and Resilience: Forging Equitable Futures in a Changing World.”

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the theme was particularly relevant in view of prevailing global challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship, forced displacement, climate change and public health emergencies.

She emphasised that women, who often bear the greatest burden during crises, remain indispensable to recovery and societal development as peacebuilders, caregivers, entrepreneurs, advocates of resilience and leaders.

Professor Liman commended the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, for his support for human capital development, inclusive governance and academic excellence. She also applauded the Centre for Gender Studies for initiating the historic conference, expressing confidence that its deliberations would generate practical ideas and meaningful outcomes.

Earlier, Governor Sule, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, commended Professor Liman for her leadership and the Centre for organising the conference. He reaffirmed the state government's commitment to supporting women and young people and promoting gender-responsive initiatives.

The keynote address, delivered on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, by the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development, Dr. Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi, highlighted the need to translate gender equality policies into measurable outcomes through inclusive governance, social protection and greater participation of women in national development.

The conference attracted traditional rulers, government officials, academics and other stakeholders, including representatives of the Emir of Keffi, the National Pension Commission and the National Emergency Management Agency.

Highlights included panel discussions on gender inclusion, crisis management and sustainable development, as well as the presentation of a documentary on inclusion and human capital development and the unveiling of a textbook titled _A Legacy of Inclusion_, showcasing the contributions of Governor Sule's administration to human capital development and social inclusion.

The conference further reinforces NSUK's commitment, under the leadership of Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, to promoting inclusive scholarship, advancing gender equality and contributing to solutions to critical societal challenges.