Title: Nigerian Academic Urges Social Realignment to Empower Women
In a thought-provoking inaugural lecture, Prof. Iyabode O.A. Nwabueze, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), called for a social realignment to empower women. She argued that the social positioning of women has contributed to issues like female nudism and their own complicity in perpetuating their disempowerment.
According to Prof. Nwabueze, the need for women to have equal opportunities to excel in various fields is essential. She highlighted her 50-year academic journey, which has significantly influenced her outlook on women’s roles in society, and emphasized determination as a driving force throughout her educational pursuit, leading her to become the NOUN’s first Professor of English.
The lecture explored multifaceted topics related to women’s empowerment, including self-determination, societal stereotypes, and linguistic frameworks. Prof. Nwabueze examined how deeply ingrained cultural perceptions affect women’s agency and proposed that a realignment of societal views on women should recognize them first as human beings, inherently deserving of respect and equality.
Prof. Nwabueze urged religious organizations to reassess practices that undermine women’s dignity and encouraged female politicians to unite for the advancement of women’s representation in governance. Her message to women resonated with empowerment, urging them to respect themselves and contribute proactively to societal growth.
The lecture was well-received, with Prof. Godwin Akper, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Technology, Innovation and Research, praising the Faculty of Arts for their intellectual rigour and acknowledging the impact of Prof. Nwabueze’s presentation.
The event was attended by distinguished personalities from inside and outside the NOUN, including members of the inaugural lecturer’s family and officials of the National Universities Commission (NUC), reflecting a broad interest in the lecture’s theme. Through this inaugural lecture, Prof. Nwabueze has set a vibrant tone for future discussions surrounding gender equality and the empowerment of women, solidifying the NOUN’s commitment to fostering intelligent discourse and progressive policies in the educational sector.
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