In a bid to further expand the institution’s curriculum, the University of Calabar has commenced a Diploma Programme on Gender Development.
The Executive Director, Centre for Gender Development, Dr Brenda Akpan disclosed this during an event organized to officially announce the commencement of the Programme.
She said the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Florence Obi is gender-sensitive, a cogent reason, she approved the programme to further expand the institution’s curriculum offerings.
While thanking the Vice-Chancellor for her support for the Centre, she said the University helmsman is desirous of building an academic environment where everybody, irrespective of gender, is carried along in the scheme of things.
She said the Centre would always deliver on its mandate by establishing marketable programmes in line with the policy thrust of the current administration.
According to her, some key courses which have been lined up for the benefit of students are; Gender law, Entrepreneurship, Gender Criminality and Social justice, Counseling techniques, Gender and Health studies, among others.
She said the Centre has also concluded plans to sensitize men and women to recognize and appreciate their sociological and cultural responsibilities, rights and roles in the society.
Dr. Akpan said the vision and mission of developing Gender processes and sensitivity in the University is to introduce, develop and mainstream Gender in best global perspectives.
She stressed that gender equality is not a fight against the male folk but a reasoning which requires that all women, regardless of barriers such as class, race, ability, identity and other factors have equal opportunities in the society.
This came as she urged the students to desist from exam malpractices and be dedicated to their studies in order to earn good grades, even as she urged them to approach her or the coordinator when they have challenges.
The Coordinator, Mr Bassey Ekeng said lectures would commence immediately as everything has been put in place, just as she assured students of a wonderful and fulfilling time during the duration of the programme.
The well-attended event featured goodwill messages from other academic staff of the centre relevant to the proposed programme.
