I SEE GREAT POTENTIALS FOR WOMEN IN THE ACADEMIC SECTOR BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN THERE AND KNOW IT IS VERY POSSIBLE FOR ANY GIRL CHILD TO DO SAME

 

Women in the Academic have continued to make giant strides towards enhancing better education in Nigerian schools both in the private and public institutions. The Transmitter hooked up with a renowned Academic of repute, the first female Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences Benue state University Makurdi Prof. Member George-Genyi who spoke explicitly on the possibilities for women in Nigeria and how she has weather by climbing ladders in the ivory tower and her message for the younger generation.

This special interview was conducted by senior reporters Erdoo Due and Deborah Adekaa. Excerpts:

TRANSMITTER: May we meet you formally?

Genyi: My name is Member Eugenia George-Genyi. I am born to the family of Mr and Mrs Deakaa in Ushongo LGA, married to Dr. George Genyi of Gboko LGA. Our union is blessed with 4 children. I am a committed catholic and Knight of Columbus.  Education wise I attended Mbagwa Community Secondary School Lessel then proceeded to ABU Zaria where I obtained my first and second degrees, my Ph.D was obtained from BSU Makurdi where I was also confirmed a professor on October 1^st 2016 with my major area of research interest being Political Economy. I started my Academic career as an Assistant Lecturer and have taught for over 20years.

TRANSMITTER: How does it feel being in your position as the first female professor in Department of Political Science, BSU?

Genyi: I feel happy being not just the first female professor of political science and first in the Faculty of Social Sciences BSU. It is really a humbling experience that has come with a lot of responsibilities such as mentoring most especially being amongst the male gender, where all eyes are focused on you; putting you on your toes at all times. As a female professor, I have also enjoyed rare opportunities, being celebrated by my family, church, community, alma-mater, colleagues, the university as well as well-wishers, both within the country and in the diaspora. Though, the feeling of being celebrated has been on since my childhood days where I had a lot of gifts for being the best student of my class. I was also the head girl in my set in the secondary school. I must say further that, it is not enough to become a professor, the effort through research, teaching and hard work to maintain the statuesque is what makes the difference.

TRANSMITTER: Has it been easy as woman?

Genyi: Being a woman comes with its own responsibilities and challenges but professionally, I have found it quite interesting. I have never been victimized or denied what I deserve for being a woman. Rather, it has enhanced my chances for growth and development.  My intellectual wherewithal and willingness to go the extra mile has also contributed greatly in this area. Because, often times, I come up most qualified for certain privileges I enjoy so, whatever I am yet to get or achieve it is because I have not craved it or due to laxity on my part or maybe it is not yet time for it.

TRANSMITTER: Have you held any leadership position in the Benue State University?

Genyi: Yes, I have held some leadership positions in the school. I was a Deputy Dean of students from 2011-2013 and also the  Head of Department Political Science from 2013-2017.Currently,other than my mother University I serve in the capacity of an External Examiner for about seven(7) Universities in the Country both public and private including my alma-mater. I am also a member of several university committees.

TRANSMITTER: You gave a shot at the Vice Chancellorship of the University, was it due to gender difference you lost the opportunity?

Genyi: No, there was no discrimination of gender whatsoever. All professors who were deemed qualified and met the Criteria established by the search team including my humble self, applied for the post when the vacancy was put up. But, it was only normal that one person would emerge as a winner to serve the University for a tenure of five years. So, Prof. Tor Iorapuu became the VC. I will also like to state here that, the University has a universal value, therefore we who were fellow contestants with the present VC owe him a responsibility of support and research so as to uplift Academic Performance.

TRANSMITTER: What do you think is the future for the girl child in Academics?

Genyi: I see great potentials for women in the Academic Sector, this is because I have been there and know it is very possible for any girl child to do same. Without limitation of thought and fear of failure, a woman who is passionate and hardworking with consistency and commitment can do just what she is set to do which the Academic is not an exception. Largely, this depends on proper orientation the mentality of certain jobs being assumed to be done by the male gender has to be erased completely. Women on their own part should see themselves as being capable and they will find themselves dominating their world. Most environments have however neglected merit and competence putting women in a disadvantaged position while making them victims of their own career. However, I encourage them not give up but keep doing their very best and most promptly while involving other competent women.

TRANSMITTER: How can you assess women in the Nigerian politics as a professor of Political Science?

Genyi: This is quite an interesting question. I would say, women have contributed their quota in the Nigerian politics but more is expected from them so as to reckon many of the challenges that accompany the female gender politically.  First of all, the Nigerian politics is highly wired in terms of financing which is limiting to women especially when seeking elective offices. Secondly, the society is male dominated with a patriarchy system of operation   as such, men see women as not been good enough for leadership positions. Family socialization and orientation also contributes a great deal here. Most often, male children are given dominance over the female, this goes down even to the choice of courses to be read in schools, translating into a compromise of self-esteem which in turn culminates into reluctance in societal participation. However, amid all these I encourage women who are active participants in politics to lift more persons through proper orientation and support; because power is not given it is wrestled.

TRANSMITTER: The achievements of women like Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, do you see a woman becoming the president of Nigeria any time soon?

Genyi: It is very possible that a woman will someday emerge the president of this nation because with God all things are possible. There is actually a lot out there for women, who would believe a woman can head the World Trade Organisation? But, it has come and not just a woman but a Nigerian. Patricia Etteh and Prof. Charity Angya are some other examples that demonstrate this and well enough they performed excellently. So, if given the opportunity, the female president will do just brilliant however, this may take some time but with conscious efforts it will be feasible.

TRANSMITTER: You are a professor that makes you an Academic what do you do aside your professional career?

Genyi: Other than my Academic career I am committed to the church where I also engage fully. I am a Knight of Columbus and also belong to many organisations both in Gboko and Makurdi Dioceses. Currently, member of the Makurdi Third Diocesan Synod Committee, Member Editorial team Makurdi Diocese CWO Magazine, as well as the Makurdi Chapter coordinator of the Associate Members of the Via Christi Society.Community development also takes some of my time because I have tried to engage women through provisional grants and loans to enhance agricultural production which requires my attention and direct supervision as well as my personal farm activities.

TRANSMITTER: You recently celebrated your birth anniversary, do you feel accomplished as a woman, wife, mother and professional?

Genyi: Yes, very fulfilled even though relenting is no option. To the glory of God, I have hit almost all targets. In terms of career, my dream has always been to reach the peak which I have accomplished but would want to go farther in terms of impact and societal contribution, for my life as a wife I had ever wished to get married and be wedded in the church. God has also granted this request and blessed me with a wonderful husband who supports me without seeing my achievements as a treat. I am also confident as a mother because I have four wonderful children. So, as a woman it is quite fulfilling.

TRANSMITTER:  How do you cope with your family and job, what is your advice to women professionals who have difficulty contending with career and family?

Genyi: Well, I have had it somewhat smooth because my family is very supportive. My husband quite understands and supports me a great deal, so this gives me balance. The career woman needs to settle the home front before any other thing because a stable family gives a better balance to career; an emotionally stable person performs better. So, women need to put family first. It is no doubt that career facilitates good life   but a family wreck reveals a shaky and unstable career performance.

TRANSMITTER: Is there any other thing you would want to tell us?

Genyi: Yes, I first of all want to appreciate all Women making efforts to become a better version of them. But the young ladies need to hear this, putting premium upon themselves will only make their lives better. A woman should learn self-esteem, self-discipline and development which will add value to them. Marriage is very important but should not become a priority as it is seen currently, eruption of values has set in but the society still celebrate great women and God in turn, enhances them  their lives outstanding she emphasized.