Aishetu Wakaso, the Special Adviser to Governor Umar Bago of Niger State on Print Media, was among the recipients of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Policy and Strategic Studies at the Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC), Yakubu Gowon University, formerly known as the University of Abuja.
The external examiner, Professor Akongbowa Bramwell Amadasun from the Federal University Wukari in Taraba State, conferred the degree following the successful completion of required coursework and the defense of thesis on October 27, 2025.
Additionally, Olufunke Olutayo Fagbaje and Zainab S. Muhammad earned a doctoral degree and a master’s degree, respectively, in Public Governance and Leadership after defending their thesis and dissertation on the same day.
After the event, the Director of the Centre, Professor Philip Dahida, praised the School of Postgraduate Studies and the external examiner for their professionalism, knowledge transfer, and commitment to evaluating the candidates’ work.
He urged all graduates to heed the advice of both external and internal examiners and emphasized the importance of applying their research knowledge to improve Nigerian society.
In response to this academic milestone, Aishetu Wakaso expressed her gratitude to the institution while urging the government to intentionally empower women and uphold the 35 percent affirmative action quota.
Wakaso stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment for women to participate in political leadership and governance in the country. She also highlighted the need for parents to provide their children with the necessary education and training without discrimination.
“I feel very grateful to God for how far He has brought me, and I’m very excited. My research work can contribute to improving women’s participation in governance and decision-making. If women are given more opportunities, they can excel.
“The biggest barriers to women attaining leadership positions include sociocultural constraints, political limitations, inefficiencies, financial challenges, and institutional gaps. These are the factors affecting women’s progress.
“In many parts of the country, a significant number of women lack education and awareness of their rights, making it difficult for them to pursue political roles.”
When asked to advise the Minister of Women Affairs on addressing the challenges faced by Nigerian women, Wakaso responded: “The government should focus on raising awareness around women’s empowerment, the 35 percent affirmative action, and reproductive health, enabling women to make decisions for themselves.
“My advice to families is to value their daughters equally; there is no special child, and no one is superior to another. There should be no discrimination between male and female children. Parents should empower, educate, and support their children, as anyone can achieve their dreams.”
The Abuja Leadership Centre is a TETFUND Centre of Excellence for Public Governance and Leadership, dedicated to enhancing public governance and leadership in Nigeria and beyond.
