The University of Jos has introduced a program aimed at improving gender equity and student support through the promotion of gender justice in academia. This initiative seeks to help female students reach their full potential.
According to a press statement issued by the Senior Deputy Registrar for Information and Publications, Abdullahi Abdullahi on Sunday, the program was unveiled through a university-wide training workshop tagged “Learning Empowerment and Development (LEaD) Mentorship Programme.”He said the pilot program is designed to empower female students by facilitating their academic, personal, and professional development through structured mentorship.
“The LEaD Mentorship Programme began with the Department of Geography and Planning, and is being coordinated by the University’s Centre for Gender and Women’s Studies. This underscores the University’s position as the first tertiary institution in Nigeria to introduce a Gender Policy.
“Eighty-one academic staff from 19 faculties have shown significant institutional commitment to the program, demonstrating the University’s willingness to provide an inclusive academic environment.”
During the training workshop, participating staff were equipped with the information, capacity, and tools needed to serve as mentors under the LEaD framework. This was achieved through interactive sessions, case studies, expert-led discussions, and group projects focused on mentoring female students in higher education.
According to the statement, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Rahila Gowon, described the LEaD programme as timely, noting that mentorship encourages collaboration over competition and builds support systems in male-dominated environments. She emphasized that mentorship is not just about guiding careers but shaping futures.
Former Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Teresa Nmadu, and Renowned Scholar and Gender Advocate, Professor Irene Agunloye. Professor Nmadu highlighted the importance of the mentor-mentee relationship, while Professor Agunloye stressed the significance of intentional, systematic, and value-driven mentorship in breaking down barriers.
The Coordinators of the LEaD Mentorship Programme, Dr. Salamatu Fada and Dr. Tina Iirmdu, explained that the program aims to support the academic, professional, and personal growth of female students by pairing them with lecturers from their departments. They expressed hope that the program will boost academic achievement, career readiness, self-confidence, leadership skills, and resilience among female students.
