ABOUT THE CENTRE FOR GENDER STUDIES
Introduction:
In recognition of the need to reposition instructional activities so as to ensure that “education is directed to the full development of the human personality” (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 26), most universities in Europe, America, Africa and a few in Nigeria established interdisciplinary academic centres to ensure the development of full human potential of the learners. Among such interdisciplinary centres is the Centre for Gender Studies.
The Centre for Gender Studies (CGS), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka was established by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS when he formerly constituted the CGS committee on 9th February, 2022. This development is not only in line with the global quest for the establishment of gender studies as academic discipline but is also one more step to the achievement of well-rounded academic and human development of students and staff of the university as well as that of members of the entire society regardless of gender. Besides, the CGS is a boost in the implementation of Project200 of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS which is aimed at positioning the university among the first 200 Universities in ranking in the world. Also the establishment of the Centre is a strategic way of positioning the University among educational institutions working for the achievement of gender equality which is not only UNESCO’s global priority but also number five of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Philosophy:
The Centre for Gender Studies (CGS) is based on the philosophy that every individual regardless of gender has the capability to attain maximum development in all aspects of life. The Centre upholds the philosophy of Nnamdi Azikiwe University that the needs of the Nigerian and international society should constitute the base for teaching and research. Gender-based instruction, research and recognition would be promoted by the Centre within and beyond the university and beyond Nnamdi Azikiwe University would be reckoned among the best gender- responsive universities in the world.
Mission:
The mission of the Centre is to facilitate the students’ acquisition of gender-based interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to enable them engage critically with gender issues and contribute to the achievement of sustainable and peaceful development as well as to the establishment of a just and equitable society. The CGS is committed to mainstreaming of gender issues in undergraduate courses, offering of postgraduate diploma courses in gender studies, and the promotion of intellectual excellence, advocacy, research, networking, information base and support for staff and students in gender-related issues.
Vision:
The CGS is a hub for the establishment of gender-awareness culture in the University community and in other intellectual communities outside the University and for advancing problem based, interdisciplinary as well as groundbreaking research on human empowerment regardless of gender. The CGS will partner with local, national and international communities to promote creative, innovative, social and economic development geared towards the solution of diverse gender – based problems and consequently ensure the leadership role of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in the evolving field of Gender Studies.
Aims:
Among the aims of the CGS are to:
- Make information on gender studies issues accessible to students, staff and other researchers.
- Promote among the students and staff the understanding of the concepts and theories in gender studies.
- Engage students in gender based issues and consequently develop in these students, the ability to make personal connections with knowledge.
- Provide for the institution and society, policy relevant knowledge on gender and gender mainstreaming.
- Serve as a platform for organizing lectures, seminars and workshops etc. on a wide range of gender issues so as to enable the students and staff understand the dimensions of gender and why they are important.
- Play a key role in providing technical support to the relevant departments in the planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluation of gender programmes and courses.
- Build new knowledge on gender and make information on gender studies issues accessible to students, staff and other researchers.
- Make it easier for interested persons to understand the concepts and theories in gender studies.
- Coordinate the activities of Gender Study groups in the university.
- Promote cross-disciplinary research in the university.
- Provide for the institution and society, policy relevant knowledge on gender and gender mainstreaming.
- Be instrumental in placing Nnamdi Azikiwe University ahead of her competitors and positioning her to join the conversation of leading universities in the world.
- Play a key role in providing technical support to the relevant Departments and Faculties in the planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluation of gender programmes and courses.
- Attract outside gender-related grants and commissions
LEVELS OF OPERATION.
The Centre operates at three levels as follows: It
- Is a hub for gender research and teaching at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
- Promotes connectivity and multidisciplinary collaborations with the relevant bodies in organizing events to enhance the achievement of the goals of gender studies which include equipping learners with Knowledge, Intellectual and Analytical Skills, Social and Personal Responsibility skills, Diversity skills as well as skills in Integrative and applied learning.
- Hosts a Post Graduate Diploma in Gender Studies (PGDigs), Master’s Degree in Gender Studies and oversees the integration of basic elements of Gender Studies into relevant General Studies (GS) courses.
GOVERNING STRUCTURE
The Centre for Gender Studies has a committee duly constituted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone. The following are the members of the committee:
- Prof. Lilian-Rita Akudolu – Director – Chairman
- Prof. Angela Ufele – DAP – Member
- Progf. Tracie Utoh-Ezeajughi – Theatre & Film and – Member
- Prof. Bentina Alawari Matthias – Social Science – Member
- Prof. Ifeoma Bessie Enweani – Health Sciences – Member
- Prof. Nkechi Okpalaobi – Comm. & Pro. Law – Member
- Prof. Valerie Nnodu – Environmental Science – Member
- Prof. Stella Ezeonu – Phys. & Ind. Phys. – Member
- Prof. Ebenebe Cordelia Ifenyinwa – Animal Sci. & Tech – Member
- Prof. Prosper Adogu – Zoology – Member
- Prof. Ada Anyamele – Guidance and counselling – Member
- Dr. Ogechukwu Benedicta A. – Coopt. Economics – Member
- Dr. Cordelia Nkechi Ojagu – Clinical Pharmacy – Member
- Pharm. Lizzet Ezenweke – Clinical Pharmacy – Member
- Engr. Constance Nwankwo O. – Ind/Prod. Engr – Member
- Dr. Harris Otega – Statistics – Member
- Mr. Olisaemeka Dennis Obiokoye – Bursary – Member
- Dr. Chinyere Celestina Esimone – Music – Member
- Dr. Hope Nkiruka Okoye – Civil Soc. Org. – Member
- A representative of Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs.
- Mr. James Obineche – FAO. Agric. – Member/secretary
- Miss Judith Oraka – Ass. Secretary