By Israel Joel
National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) on Thursday expressed delight over the inauguration of the Governing Council of the University of Jos among other 19 Universities and Inter-University Centers by the Federal Government.

Mrs. Felicia Bala, President of the group in a statement made available to newsmen in Jos also said that we are excited and welcome Professor Attahiru Jega, an astute university administrator and former chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Prochancellor 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.

The statement reads that the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) is a non-governmental and nonpartisan women network comprising of various independent voluntary women organizations in Nigeria Founded in 1957, the network advocates and promotes gender inclusion at all levels and sectors of governance and the society.

It reads that “You would recall that on the 22nd of June, 2021, the 9″ substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof Sebastian Maimako ended his tenure meritoriously. It will be an aberration not to recognize the tremendous efforts of the outgone Vice-Chancellor, who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the University. ”

“With the recent development, we appeal to the new Governing Council in fairness to the already shortlisted candidates to pursue equity, justice and in addition ensure that the selection process that was suspended abruptly is completed amicably. ”

We wish to put it on record that, of all the nine (9) substantive Vice-Chancellors in the 46 years of the citadel of learning, non is a female.

The group further added that 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.

The late Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan, said and I quote;

Edo government suspends National Council of Women’s Societies indefinitely

“When women thrive all of the social benefits and succeeding generations are given a better start in life”- 2005.

In the light of the above and for the sake of generations to come, we hereby appeal to the new Council to conclude the selection process already started by the outgone council of the University.

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.

It is our hope that the new Council under your able leadership will consider all factors before you in the process of appointing a competent and capable hand to continue with the developmental strides already established by the outgone Vice-Chancellor.

The group called on the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Assembly, and other critical stakeholders in the educational system to support this clarion call by the Plateau Women in support of a paradigm shift.