The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Plateau State chapter, has intensified campaign for the emergence of a woman from the ongoing Vice Chancellorship race at the University of Jos (UNIJOS).

In a press statement signed by its President, Mrs. Felicia Bala, NCWS, appealed to the new Governing Council of UNIJOS to consider gender equality, while deliberating on who a new helmsman.

Seventeen professors entered the race for the selection of the 10th vice chancellor for the university early this year, among whom is one woman, Prof. Patricia Lar.  The process was suspended by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in April due to controversies.

With the recent appointment of former chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, appointed as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the university’s Governing Council, the NCWS is making a case to the new Council to appoint a woman as Vice Chancellor – which would be a first in the university.

The group said: “We wish to put it on record that of all the nine substantive Vice Chancellors in the 46 years of the citadel of learning, none is a female.

“The NCWS Plateau State Chapter and all its affiliates, as part of its mandate to advocate for gender inclusion, are appealing to the Governing Council and the University of Jos Visitor to consider appointing a woman as the 10th Vice Chancellor of the institution.

“The NCWS understands that among those jostling for the position, there is a woman of character, an erudite and industrious scholar, credible and intellectually sound with great institutional memory of the university.”

Urging the council to conclude the selection process, the group reminded the council of a national policy that advocates 35 per cent participation of women in governance.

“We reiterate that a qualified woman be considered for the position of Vice Chancellor as part of the 35 percent affirmative action for women, a national policy (2006) that requires 35 percent involvement of women in all governance processes,” the group said.

The group praised the Federal Government for appointing Jega as Council Chair, and the Emir of Zazzau as Chancellor.

“We are excited and welcome Professor Attahiru Jega, an astute university administrator and former chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council and other external members of the Council.

“We also welcome the Chancellor of the University, the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, whose experiences will be invaluable in taking the University of Jos to an enviable height.”

Source: The Nations newspaper