CENTRE FOR GENDER AND WOMEN’S STUDIES/DEPTARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND PLANNING LAUNCH SIGN-UP FOR THE LEAD MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME

CENTRE FOR GENDER AND WOMEN’S STUDIES/DEPTARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND PLANNING LAUNCH SIGN-UP FOR THE LEAD MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME

Following the University-wide training workshop for mentors held last year in preparation for the introduction of a mentorship programme for female students of the University of Jos, the Coordinators of the Learning Empowerment and Development (LEaD) Mentorship Programme, Dr. Tina Iirmdu and Dr. Salamatu Fada of the Department of Geography and Planning, have officially launched the programme in their department under the supervision of the University’s Centre for Gender and Women’s Studies. The Departmental Launch and Sign-Up Ceremony was held on 17 February at the Department of Geography and Planning.

In his welcome address, the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, represented by Mr. Basil Ahmadu, described the LEaD Mentorship Programme as a platform designed to empower female students to achieve their full potentials while promoting gender equity in academics and professional careers. He noted that the initiative offers tailored support, mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional exposure, helping students grow in confidence, build meaningful connections, and thrive academically and professionally.

The Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Yohana Chanle Sati, represented by Prof. Erekpitan Omoikhefe Ola-Adisa, remarked that the Department of Geography, a founding pillar of the University since 1975, continues its legacy of innovation through the LEaD Mentorship Programme. She described the initiative as groundbreaking, beginning with a pilot phase for Geography students, and aimed at equipping female students with guidance, skills, and networks to advance gender equity while shaping leaders for sustainable futures. Prof. Ola-Adisa expressed her conviction that structured mentorship is transformative and commended the extension of this vital support to female Geography students.

Similarly, the Head of Department of Geography and Planning, Prof. Joshua Galadima, encouraged female students to actively key into the programme as a pathway to academic excellence and personal growth.

In her goodwill message, the Executive Director of Girls Education Mission (GEM) International, Mrs. Keturah Shammah, who attended with four mentees from her organisation, commended the coordinators for their bold and visionary step. According to her, starting a mentorship programme within a university system requires courage, vision, and deep commitment. She assured the University of GEM International’s readiness to partner with LEaD to ensure its sustainability and growth. Drawing from her organisation’s experience, she affirmed that structured mentorship significantly enhances confidence, clarity, and leadership capacity, expressing optimism that LEaD could become both impactful and replicable.

Dr. Ulan Jatau, also a guest at the event, emphasized that mentorship often begins with a simple conversation. She noted that the story and guidance of someone who has walked the path can provide clarity and make a lasting difference.

Other dignitaries present include the former Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Gideon Baklit, the Head of the Department of Archaeology, and academic staff from the Departments of Archaeology and Religion and Philosophy respectively.

The session was rounded off by the Director of the Centre for Gender and Women’s Studies - Prof. Chikas Danfulani, and the Deputy Director, Dr. Sahmicit Kumswa. They appreciated the guests, students, and coordinators for their commitment and assured continued institutional support. They also encouraged other departments and faculties to initiate similar mentorship launches within their units.

The Keynote Speaker, Hon. Olivia Dazyam, Acting Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, delivered a compelling address titled “Mentorship for Young Girls and Women.” She described the LEaD Mentorship Programme as timely and shared personal experiences that underscored the transformative power of mentorship. According to her, mentorship is support, direction, and truth spoken in love. She stressed that mentorship is not optional but essential, encouraging female students to understand that seeking mentorship is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom. She further emphasized that mentorship prepares women to break barriers rather than fear them, noting that while mentorship may not change one’s background, it can certainly change one’s direction. In her closing remarks, she urged students not to wait for leadership opportunities to be handed to them but to prepare intentionally, seek guidance, and, as they rise, become mentors to others.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Tina Iirmdu expressed deep appreciation to the keynote speaker, dignitaries, guests, and students. She briefly outlined the objectives, structure, benefits, and sign-up process of the LEaD Mentorship Programme. Thereafter, the Dean of Student Affairs officially launched the programme and declared the sign-up open.

The sign-up drive was coordinated by Dr. Simi Goyol, Dr. Clement Dongurum, Dr. Ruth Nesla, Mrs. Kangyang Nyango, Dr. Elijah Akintunde, Dr. Kangyang Miner, and Dr. Abiola Imoh, with 25 female students registering for the mentorship programme at the close of the event.

The launch marks a significant step toward institutionalising structured mentorship for female students within the University, setting the stage for broader adoption across faculties and departments.

Dr. Tina Iirmdu,

Department of Geography and Planning