By Muyideen Aliyu
Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has intensified drive for gender equity and inclusive development with the launch of a Centre for Gender Studies, as scholars and development experts called for greater digital inclusion and protection for women in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The launch, which is an awareness brought together academics, researchers, policymakers and stakeholders from across the country to discuss strategies for advancing gender equality through education, research and digital empowerment.
Speaking during the launch, the Vice-Chancellor of the University Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, described the establishment of the centre as a major step in the university’s commitment to scholarship, inclusiveness and social transformation.
“Today marks another important milestone in the advancement of our University. The establishment and formal launch of the Centre for Gender Studies reflects our commitment to scholarship and inclusiveness,” he said.
Jimoh explained that the centre would serve as a platform for research, advocacy, capacity building and policy engagement on gender-related issues, while promoting a more inclusive society. noted that universities have a responsibility to address societal challenges through knowledge generation, policy influence and community engagement, as the institution had consistently provided opportunities for both men and women to excel.
“At Kwara State University, we remain committed to gender equity and inclusion. We provide an enabling environment where men and women can excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the University and society at large,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the contributions of women in leadership and administrative positions within the institution, saying their achievements reflected competence and professionalism.
According to him, the new centre aligns with the university’s broader efforts to empower women and vulnerable groups through entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and economic empowerment programmes coordinated by its Women Development Centre.
Equally, the V.C described the symposium’s theme, “Gender, Digital Literacy and Sustainable Development: Interrogating Pathways to Inclusion,” as timely, noting that many women and vulnerable groups still face barriers to accessing digital opportunities.
“We live in a world where digital technology shapes access to information, education, employment and participation in public life. Yet many people, especially women and other vulnerable groups, still face challenges in accessing digital opportunities and developing digital skills,” he said.
He urged scholars and policymakers to develop practical solutions that would strengthen digital inclusion and sustainable development.
Also, the Acting Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, Dr. Latifat Kehinde Olatinwo, said the centre was established to advance scholarship, innovation, inclusivity and national development through a gender-focused approach.
“Today’s launch is significant in the annals of our university as we gather to inaugurate a centre that is designed to use a gender lens to contribute meaningfully to scholarship, research, innovation, community engagement, inclusivity and national development,” she said.
Olatinwo stressed that the journey to establishing the centre was challenging but successful due to the support of the university management and members of the planning committee.
paid tribute to the late Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali, whose death occurred shortly before the event.
The director expressed optimism that the centre would emerge as a hub for research, policy development, capacity building and strategic partnerships aimed at promoting gender mainstreaming within and outside the university community.
Delivering the keynote address, renowned scholar Professor Janice Olawoye warned that the persistent gender gap in digital access and meaningful digital participation continues to deny many women opportunities in the digital economy. described digital literacy as an essential tool for communication, commerce, information access and online safety.
“Digital literacy is necessary for the correct and effective use of various digital platforms. It helps people stay in contact with others, pass information in a timely manner, buy and sell goods and services, and prevent them from being taken advantage of online through email fraud, phishing and photo manipulation,” she said.
Olawoye stressed that closing the gender gap in digital access is critical to achieving sustainable development, urging governments, institutions and development partners to adopt policies that ensure equal opportunities for all.
“The gender gap in digital access is accompanied by a gender gap in meaningful digital use, limiting women’s access to the full range of opportunities offered by digital services,” she stated.