Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), has called for greater female representation in leadership roles within the union, highlighting the societal benefits of increased women’s participation in leadership.
Speaking at the 8th SSANU National Women Conference held in Abuja, Ibrahim emphasized the importance of empowering women to take on significant leadership positions within the union. He argued that allowing women to lead would enable them to contribute more effectively, free from undue interference.
“Women play critical roles within the union,” Ibrahim said. “Their contributions in mobilization, welfare, and overall member well-being are invaluable. Women’s organizational skills, ability to provide essential services, and their role in adapting union laws to improve productivity are vital.”
Ibrahim expressed optimism about the prospect of a woman succeeding him as SSANU president in the future. He acknowledged that while political leadership relies on democratic principles and numbers, seeing a woman in such a prominent role would be a positive development.
In her welcome address, Comrade Agnes Nti, the National Women Coordinator of SSANU, outlined key goals for the conference. She emphasized the need for strong support from branch chairpersons for their respective branch women coordinators. Nti highlighted that this support should include facilitating branch programs annually and replicating the conference’s objectives within local zones and branches.
The conference underscored the commitment to advancing women’s leadership within SSANU and ensuring their contributions continue to enhance the union’s effectiveness and reach.
