KWASU Inaugurates Gender Studies Centre, Advocates Digital Empowerment for Women

 

 

Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has strengthened its commitment to gender equality and inclusive development with the inauguration of its Centre for Gender Studies, as experts called for urgent measures to bridge the digital divide affecting women and vulnerable groups in Nigeria.

The unveiling of the centre coincided with a public awareness symposium held at the university’s Mini Convocation Arena, where academics, policymakers, researchers and development practitioners examined ways to promote gender inclusion through research, education and digital literacy.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of KWASU, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, described the establishment of the centre as a significant milestone in the institution’s drive towards scholarship, inclusiveness and social development.

“Today marks another important milestone in the advancement of our University. The establishment and formal launch of the Centre for Gender Studies reflects our commitment to scholarship and inclusiveness,” he said.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the centre will provide a platform for research, advocacy, capacity building and policy engagement on gender-related issues while supporting efforts to build a more inclusive society.

Professor Jimoh noted that universities have a critical role to play in addressing societal challenges through research, policy influence and community engagement. He added that KWASU remains committed to creating opportunities for both men and women to thrive.

“At Kwara State University, we remain committed to gender equity and inclusion. We continue to provide an enabling environment where men and women can excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the University and society at large,” he stated.

He highlighted the achievements of women occupying leadership and administrative positions within the university, describing them as evidence of competence and professionalism.

The Vice-Chancellor further explained that the centre complements the university’s existing efforts to empower women and vulnerable groups through entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and economic empowerment initiatives coordinated by its Women Development Centre.

Emphasising the relevance of the symposium’s theme, “Gender, Digital Literacy and Sustainable Development: Interrogating Pathways to Inclusion,” Professor Jimoh said the digital age has created immense opportunities but many women and disadvantaged groups still struggle with access to technology and digital skills.

“We live in a world where digital technology shapes access to information, education, employment and participation in public life. Yet many people, especially women and other vulnerable groups, still face challenges in accessing digital opportunities and developing digital skills,” he said.

He urged scholars, development experts and policymakers to formulate practical strategies that would advance digital inclusion and sustainable development.

Earlier, the Acting Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, Dr Latifat Kehinde Olatinwo, said the centre was established to promote scholarship, innovation, inclusivity and national development through a gender-focused framework.

“Today’s launch is significant in the annals of our university as we gather to inaugurate a centre that is designed to use a gender lens to contribute meaningfully to scholarship, research, innovation, community engagement, inclusivity and national development,” she said.

Olatinwo disclosed that the centre became a reality through the support of the university management and members of the planning committee despite several challenges encountered during its establishment.

She also paid tribute to the late Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali, whose death occurred shortly before the event.

“The painful loss has left our university community in mourning. His passing has left a major vacuum in the life of this university,” she said.

Delivering the keynote address, renowned scholar Professor Janice Olawoye warned that the widening gender gap in digital access continues to limit women’s participation in the digital economy and deny them access to opportunities.

She described digital literacy as a vital tool for communication, business transactions, access to information and online safety.

“Digital literacy is necessary for the correct and effective use of various digital platforms. It helps people stay in contact with others, pass information in a timely manner, buy and sell goods and services, and prevent them from being taken advantage of online through email fraud, phishing and photo manipulation,” she said.

Professor Olawoye stressed that achieving sustainable development would be difficult without addressing disparities in digital access and meaningful participation for women.

“The gender gap in digital access is accompanied by a gender gap in meaningful digital use, limiting women’s access to the full range of opportunities offered by digital services,” she stated.

Also speaking, gender expert and Lagos State University lecturer, Dr Olawunmi Cordilia Macaulay-Adeyelure, called for stronger safeguards to protect women and vulnerable groups from online abuse and harassment.

“Stakeholders should establish and enforce digital safety standards, including effective mechanisms for reporting and addressing online harassment,” she said.

She urged technology companies and public institutions to adopt inclusive approaches that involve women from diverse social and economic backgrounds in the design and development of digital platforms.

Macaulay-Adeyelure further argued that digital inclusion should be assessed beyond internet access and device ownership, stressing the need to measure outcomes that reflect genuine empowerment.

“Evaluation needs to move beyond counting devices and connections to tracking outcomes that actually reflect capability,” she said.

She identified women’s participation in digital jobs, civic engagement and control over income generated through digital opportunities as key indicators of meaningful inclusion.

Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the newly established Centre for Gender Studies would serve as a hub for research, policy development, advocacy and partnerships aimed at advancing gender equality, digital literacy and sustainable development in Nigeria.