News Room By Nankpak Cirfat
The recent election of Pwajok Jane Kangyang as the Student Union Government (SUG) President at the University of Jos is a significant milestone for female leadership in Nigeria. Her victory is not just a personal achievement but a beacon of hope for the girl-child, demonstrating that ambition and determination can break through the barriers of gender bias entrenched in Nigerian society.
Historically, women in Nigeria have faced systemic obstacles in political participation, often relegated to subordinate roles despite their capabilities. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has long been male-dominated, raising questions about its readiness to embrace female leadership. Jane’s emergence could signal a shift towards a more inclusive student governance model.
Jane’s election is particularly noteworthy as it comes 35 years after Ene Obi first held the position of SUG President at the University of Jos. This historical context underscores women’s long-standing challenges in attaining leadership roles within student unions. With her emergence, Jane honours her predecessors and sets a precedent for future generations.
Kangyang’s victory has profound implications for the future of female leadership in Nigerian universities, especially in Northern Nigeria. Her election inspires young women across Nigeria, demonstrating that they can aspire to and achieve leadership positions “traditionally” dominated by men. Despite systemic challenges and societal biases that often hinder women’s participation, Jane’s success reflects the growing acceptance and support for female union leaders within academic institutions.
Just to say, her presidency as it stands now has significantly boosted the morale of female students at UNIJOS. The jubilation following her election reflects a newfound hope among these students, encouraging them to pursue leadership roles and challenge societal norms that often limit their aspirations. Jane’s success resonates beyond the university, signalling a potential shift in the political landscape of North-central Nigeria, where female representation has historically been low.
As we reflect on this, supporting female leaders like Jane is important for nurturing a new generation of empowered women, Who should be given platforms and resources to thrive, leading us toward growth and prosperity.
I hope that with Jane at the helm, we may witness a revitalisation of the true Aluta spirit that the University of Jos is known for, reminiscent of influential leaders like Ene Obi, Labaran Maki and Phillips Shaibu. I am optimistic that her fearless approach to leadership will suggest that the SUG and perhaps NANS are on the brink of real change.
Let me conclude by saying that Jane Kangyang Pwajok’s presidency is not just a victory for her but a significant step forward for all women aspiring to lead in Nigeria and as she embarks on this journey, we expect her contributions will go far beyond the university walls, inspiring future leaders and birthing a culture of inclusivity.
Nankpak Cirfat is a former Public Relations Officer of the SUG, University of Jos. He currently works in digital communications and public relations at Connected Development.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent JoeyOffAir.
