By Hassan Ibrahim
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), North-West Zone, has called for increased participation of women in university governance and decision-making, urging female staff to develop their capacity and acquire the qualifications required for leadership positions.
The call was made at the 2026 SSANU North-West Zonal Women Conference, held at the Yusuf Bala Usman Hall, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria, with the theme: “From Support to Strategy: Elevating Women in University Governance.”
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of ABU, Professor Adamu Ahmed, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Professor Bello Sabo, said the university supported the conference because it provides a platform for women to express ideas that could improve their productivity and participation in the day-to-day governance of the institution.
Professor Ahmed commended SSANU for organising the conference and assured the association of the university’s support, noting that initiatives aimed at empowering women would contribute to improved productivity and effective participation in university administration.
The National Vice-Chairman, North-West Zone of SSANU, Comrade Sabo Balarabe Wudil, said organising training and enlightenment programmes for women was part of the union’s constitutional responsibility to strengthen the capacity of its members.
Comrade Wudil explained that women seeking leadership positions in the university system must equip themselves with the necessary qualifications and meet the established criteria contained in the scheme of service and conditions of service.
He noted that university leadership positions are generally based on established criteria, merit and, in some cases, appointment, stressing that women must therefore prepare themselves to meet the requirements for such positions.
According to him, the conference also provides an avenue for women to discuss their concerns, challenges and experiences, particularly those arising from cultural and religious considerations that may discourage some women from participating actively in unionism and leadership.
The SSANU North-West Zonal Women Coordinator, Comrade Hauwa Abdullahi Danbatta, said the theme of the conference was chosen because women, particularly in the North-West, have continued to face challenges limiting their participation in union activities and university decision-making.
Comrade Danbatta attributed some of the challenges to cultural and religious practices, as well as limited exposure, adding that the conference was designed to sensitise women to their capabilities and encourage them to showcase their intelligence and leadership capacity..
The Zonal Women Coordinator stressed the need for continuous motivation and collaboration with university authorities to create opportunities for qualified women to participate in leadership and decision-making.
The Chairman, SSANU ABU Branch, Comrade Shuaibu Ahmed Halilu, described ABU’s hosting of the conference as significant, noting the institution’s long-standing influence and mentorship role among universities in the North-West and beyond.
He said delegates at the conference had the opportunity to gain new knowledge through papers, plenary sessions and technical sessions, adding that the lessons acquired could improve their professional development and contribute to their career advancement.
The SSANU ABU Branch Chairman recalled that the university had demonstrated its commitment to affirmative action by appointing a woman as a member of its governing council, urging other universities to promote similar opportunities for qualified women.
The conference brought together SSANU women from universities across the North-West Zone to deliberate on strategies for strengthening women’s participation, leadership capacity and representation in university governance.
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