The Centre for Gender Studies, Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has celebrated a decade of advancing gender equality, inclusive leadership, and sustainable development.
The three-day event, which commenced on Friday at the Centre’s premises, brought together scholars, development partners, and advocates to reflect on ten years of research, advocacy, and capacity building
In her welcome address, the Director of the Centre, Dr. Safiya Ahmed Nuhu, expressed gratitude to guests and partners for their continued support, describing the anniversary as a moment to celebrate achievements and renew commitment to gender inclusion.
“This celebration is more than a gathering; it is an opportunity to reflect on our experiences, share lessons, and strengthen partnerships for gender equality and inclusive development,” Dr. Nuhu said.
She acknowledged the Centre’s mentors and pioneers, including Professor Aisha Atul Ismail, the pioneer director; Professor Hassanah Nirmal, her personal mentor; and Professor Amina Mustafa, the university’s first female deputy vice-chancellor.
She also commended Ibrahim Bello, State Coordinator of the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme and CEO of the Centre for Sustainable Development and Building, for his contributions to the event.
Dr. Nuhu outlined the activities of the three-day programme, which began with a pre-conference experience-sharing workshop involving directors of gender centres and development partners.
The second day focused on commemorating the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, while the final day featured sessions with young sustainability ambassadors on leadership, peace, and development.
Speaking on the significance of the Women, Peace, and Security framework, Dr. Nuhu noted that Nigeria’s current security challenges underscore the importance of women’s inclusion in governance and peacebuilding efforts.
“Women’s perspectives are critical in shaping sustainable peace and inclusive governance,” she emphasized.
She further expressed appreciation to the university’s leadership, development partners, and invited guests for their support, assuring that the Centre remains committed to fostering innovation, empowerment, and knowledge sharing.
The event also featured the official launch of The Confidential Corner (C-Corner) — a new university initiative designed to promote inclusivity, student engagement, and confidential support services within the academic community.
In her remarks, a former Director of the Centre for Gender Studies highlighted the Centre’s pivotal role since its establishment in 2013 and commissioning in 2017.
She recalled that the Centre was founded to conduct research, training, and policy development aimed at improving the well-being of women, youth, men, and children.
“Women are often the most affected during conflicts and economic struggles,” she said, emphasizing that the Centre’s work spans issues such as gender-based violence, education, health, empowerment, leadership, peace, and security.
commended the current Director, Dr. Nuhu, and her team for organizing the anniversary celebration, noting that the inclusion of exhibitions, workshops, and training sessions reflected the Centre’s forward-looking approach to gender and development.
The former director also lauded Professor Aisha Ismail, the pioneer director, for her vision and resilience in establishing the Centre, and appreciated Dr. Amina Namadi Sambo for personally funding its physical structure.
She described Dr. Sambo as a long-standing advocate for women and youth empowerment whose contributions have inspired lasting social change.
Highlights of the anniversary included paper presentations, an exhibition, the cutting of the anniversary cake, the launch of The Confidential Corner, and workshops on strategic planning, concept note writing, and grant application development.