As the world marked the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD), the Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, called for greater inclusion and unrestricted opportunities for women and girls to enable them achieve their full potential. The Vice Chancellor made this appeal during the university’s 2026 IWD Purple Party, an event organised by the Centre for Gender Studies in collaboration with Media Health & Rights and the Women Environmental Programme. The gathering brought together academics, students, policymakers, and stakeholders to reflect on progress made and challenges remaining in the pursuit of gender equality. Speaking at the event, Prof. Liman described the United Nations’ 2026 IWD theme, “Rights, Justice, Action, For ALL Women and Girls,” as both timely and deeply significant. She noted that the theme reflects the realities and struggles faced by women over the years, while also serving as a guide for future action. According to her, the celebration within the university community was not merely symbolic but a strong statement affirming the value and importance of women and girls at all levels—from the institution itself to the broader society in Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large.
She stressed that women’s rights, access to justice, education, health, and dignity must remain central to development efforts. “Their rights matter. Their justice matters. Their education, their health, their dignity, and their futures matter deeply,” she said, adding that the university remains committed to championing these ideals.
Prof. Liman further emphasized that the theme’s core message serves as a challenge not only to governments and institutions but also to individuals. She explained that rights without justice remain meaningless, justice without action is incomplete, and action without inclusion risks leaving many behind. Highlighting the significance of the word “ALL” in the theme, she noted that it underscores inclusivity, ensuring that no woman or girl is excluded regardless of her background, location, or socio-economic status.
“As Vice Chancellor, I stand as a testament to what is possible when a girl is given education, proper guidance, and the opportunity to thrive,” she stated, encouraging young women to believe in their capabilities and pursue their ambitions without limitations. The Vice Chancellor reiterated the university’s commitment to advancing gender equality through its academic programmes, policies, and campus environment. She assured that the institution would continue to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive space where female students and staff can excel. She also expressed appreciation to the Acting Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, Dr. Comfort Adokwe, for her leadership in organising the event. Additionally, she acknowledged the contributions of sponsors, partners, traditional leaders, and government representatives in ensuring its success. In her message to female students and participants, Prof. Liman encouraged them to embrace their voices and take up spaces of influence. She declared the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration and the “Pad a Girl” initiative officially open, reaffirming the university’s support for women’s empowerment.
Earlier, during a press briefing, Dr. Comfort Adokwe highlighted the importance of the event as a platform to celebrate progress while addressing persistent challenges faced by women, particularly within academic institutions. She revealed key findings from the National Campus Climate Baseline Survey on Sexual Harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions, conducted by Alliances for Africa in partnership with gender study centres across 12 universities.
According to the survey, approximately 70 percent of female students and 30 percent of male students reported experiencing at least one form of gender-based violence on campus. Among university staff, 63 percent of female staff and 37 percent of male staff indicated similar experiences. Dr. Adokwe explained that the study, which involved over 4,000 respondents, forms part of a five-year initiative supported by Co-Impact aimed at addressing sexual harassment and strengthening institutional responses in Nigerian universities. She reaffirmed the commitment of the Centre for Gender Studies to raising awareness, advocating for survivor protection policies, and improving mechanisms to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
Calling for collective action, she urged university authorities, policymakers, civil society organisations, the media, and students to work together in creating safer and more inclusive learning environments. The 2026 International Women’s Day celebration at the university concluded with renewed calls for sustained advocacy, stronger policies, and collaborative efforts to ensure that women and girls are empowered and protected across all sectors of society.
