History was made at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma as Prof. Elizabeth Yecho of the Department of History and Strategic Studies delivered the institution’s 12th Inaugural Lecture, boldly calling for an end to the marginalization of women in national development.
With the theme “Beyond the Margins: Historicizing Transformative Impact of Nigerian Women”, Prof. Yecho urged Nigerians to shift perception of women from “weaker vessels” to “development partners,” saying, “Women are not just fit for the margins of the other room” — a sharp reference to a controversial statement by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Women are critical agents of development and deserve a prime place in societal governance,” she declared. “We must pass laws that promote women’s rights, take girls’ education seriously, and invest in STEM scholarships to bridge gender gaps in key sectors.”
Prof. Yecho also emphasized engaging men as allies, urging them to speak out against sexual harassment and support non-discriminatory policies.
In his remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi lauded Yecho’s courage and historic achievement, being the first woman from her department — and the entire university — to deliver an inaugural lecture, despite life’s many challenges.
The lecture stands as a clarion call for inclusive development, intellectual equality, and a gender-just society.
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