UNICROSS VC Advocates Greater Political Inclusion for Women at IWD Celebration

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Professor Francisca Bassey, has called for enhanced political inclusion and stronger support for women aspiring to leadership positions in Nigeria.

 

Professor Bassey made the appeal during the launch of “HER Unity Circle” by the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) in Abuja, an event held as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration.

 

Speaking at the event, Professor Bassey emphasized the competence and capacity of Nigerian women in leadership across diverse sectors. She stated, “If the masses believe in their abilities, they should allow them to lead.” She further urged women to embrace unity and collaboration as essential drivers of leadership and national development, highlighting the importance of mentoring younger women to build a stronger, more inclusive society.

 

The Vice Chancellor explained that the theme of the event, “Her Power, Our Unity: Empowerment, Leadership and National Transformation,” was timely and significant. She stressed that women achieve greater progress when they work together rather than compete with one another.

 

Professor Bassey, an alumna of Federal Government Girls’ College, Bauchi, is also an active member of the school’s old girls’ association, FEBOGA.

 

The event also featured remarks from Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, who was represented by Fatima Mahmood, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. She encouraged women to seize leadership opportunities while calling on men to support women as partners in progress.

 

Earlier, the President-General of USOSA, Michael Magaji, explained that the occasion aimed to highlight women’s contributions to national development and to encourage greater participation of women in leadership and decision-making processes.

 

Speaking on the launch of the new initiative, USOSA Vice President-General, Barrister Chinedu Amure, said that “HER Unity Circle” would provide a structured platform to promote networking, mentoring, and empowerment among women within the association.

 

The launch of the initiative, held during Nigeria’s IWD celebrations, is part of broader efforts to strengthen women’s influence in leadership and governance, and to create a sustainable support system for women aspiring to occupy key decision-making roles.

 

— UNICROSS Media Team