By Roseline Okafor, Keffi
The Centre for Gender Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), is set to host its first international conference in November as part of efforts to strengthen research and academic activities at the Centre.
The Deputy Director, Academics, Centre for Gender Studies, Dr Ochanya Mercy Lamai, disclosed this while speaking on activities and developments at the Centre.
Lamai, a senior lecturer in the Department of Broadcasting, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, said she had introduced several academic initiatives, including workshops and stronger research and project work involving undergraduate and postgraduate students.
According to her, research remains one of her major contributions to the Centre, adding that the Centre has also established a website in preparation for the international conference.
She disclosed that the conference would feature essays and short articles examining the administration of Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, with particular attention to his approach to gender inclusiveness.
Lamai described the proposed publication as a legacy project for the governor.
“He has been very inclusive when it comes to gender, and we felt a legacy project is something we can give him as a parting gift,” she said.
The academic identified inadequate funding as one of the major challenges confronting the Centre, particularly efforts to establish Gender Desks across government parastatals and offices.
She also identified misconceptions surrounding gender as another challenge, stressing that gender issues affect both men and women and should not be regarded solely as women’s issues.
Lamai called for increased funding and awareness for Gender Desks, saying the Centre would continue to advocate a better understanding of gender-related matters.
She further disclosed that the Centre was considering the introduction of gender-related courses for undergraduate students to improve their understanding of the subject.
Speaking on her academic journey, Lamai attributed her pursuit of a PhD to pain, saying focus, resilience and faith helped her achieve the goal.
She also attributed her awards and recognitions to hard work and resilience.
“Awards are being given when you are seen doing the best,” she said.
Lamai encouraged young people to identify and develop their talents, describing talent as a source of wealth, influence, fulfilment and purpose.