A Professor of Sociology at the University of Ilorin, Deborah Shade Adekeye, has urged women to confront and overcome social and structural barriers that hinder their progress in various fields.
She made the call last Thursday during the University’s 293rd Inaugural Lecture, titled “Breaking The Glass Ceiling For African Women: Insights From Gender Studies”, delivered at the University Auditorium.
Prof. Adekeye noted the steady rise of Nigerian women in leadership positions, particularly in the corporate sector, describing it as a significant improvement compared to previous decades. She expressed delight that more than ten women currently serve as Managing Directors of banks and financial institutions in the country.
While commending the University of Ilorin for promoting gender equity, she revealed that the institution currently has not fewer than 76 female Professors across its academic departments. She added that three female Professors from the University are presently serving as Vice Chancellors in Nigerian universities and beyond.
Prof. Adekeye, who is the Editor-in-Chief of the Ilorin Journal of Business and Social Sciences and a former Acting Head of the Department of Criminology and Security Studies, said women would attain greater heights by confronting constraints such as limited access to quality education, low self-esteem, and poor time management.
She emphasised that proper education, training, and mentorship are essential for enabling women to reach the peak of their careers and excel in their chosen fields.
The Inaugural Lecturer also called on organisations to eliminate negative workplace cultures, including gender discrimination, biased corporate policies, and leadership styles that hinder women’s advancement. She stressed the need for work, life balance policies that support women both at home and in the workplace.
Prof. Adekeye encouraged the Federal Government to prioritise female education, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), to expand opportunities for girls and close existing gaps in higher education.
She further urged the Nigerian society to work collectively to dismantle harmful patriarchal norms and eradicate gender-based violence and practices such as female genital mutilation, child marriage, and widow inheritance.
Calling for full implementation of the 35% affirmative action for women at all levels of government, she said doing so would boost women’s participation in politics and governance.
Prof. Adekeye encouraged Nigerian women to remain focused and determined, saying “there is no limit to which they can go in any field of their choice.”
The lecture, presided over by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Moji Taibat Bakare-Odunola, drew the attendance of principal officers, colleagues, friends, relatives, and students from within and outside the University.
