Written By Khadijah Aliyu; Edited By Godwin Duru
The Centre for Gender Studies (CGS), Bayero University Kano (BUK), in collaboration with the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, has organized a mentorship and interactive session aimed at strengthening leadership capacity and democratic participation among female students.
The programme, titled Inclusive Democracy and Empowerment Network for Active Youth in Nigeria (INCLUDE NAIJA), brought together mentees, mentors, members of the university community, and key stakeholders committed to youth and women’s empowerment.
Speaking at the event, the Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, Bayero University Kano, Dr. Safiya Ahmad Nuhu, said the initiative was designed to equip young female students with the skills, confidence, and competence required to excel in leadership, governance, and politics.
She explained that the programme seeks to bridge the gap in women’s participation in student activism, research, governance, and other decision-making spaces within and beyond the university environment.
Dr. Safiya disclosed that Bayero University admits 25 female students into the programme annually, while participants from previous cohorts continue to engage through a growing network of young leaders committed to driving positive change in their communities.
Also speaking, the Programme Manager of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation West Africa in Nigeria, Angela Odah, said the foundation is implementing the project alongside its partners, Social Action and We The People, with support from the European Union.
Odah explained that the project seeks to promote the fundamental human rights of Nigerian youths and enhance their participation in democratic and national development processes through capacity-building activities and civic engagement programmes.
She noted that the foundation currently works with four universities, including Bayero University Kano, the University of Abuja, Veritas University Abuja, and Nasarawa State University, where students receive training on democracy, active citizenship, and leadership development.
According to her, the mentorship component connects female students with accomplished women who have distinguished themselves in student unionism, trade unionism, public service, and other fields, providing inspiration and guidance for future leadership roles.
A mentor at the programme and Director-General of the Kano State Social Protection Agency, Hajiya Fatima Abdullahi, encouraged female students to embrace leadership opportunities and participate actively in governance and politics, stressing that women have enormous potential to contribute to societal development.
She urged young women to remain committed, build self-confidence, and engage constructively in leadership processes, noting that greater female participation would help ensure that more women occupy strategic positions in governance and public service.
Another mentor and former member of the House of Representatives who represented Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State, Azumi Namadi Bebeji, urged young women to remain focused, uphold integrity, and take advantage of opportunities for personal development.
She also encouraged them to actively engage in public service and politics, despite the challenges and barriers women often face in seeking and attaining elective positions.
A mentee and Vice President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Bayero University Kano, Onono Onemisi-Arafat, described the programme as highly inspiring.
She expressed optimism about pursuing a future career in politics and leadership.
