….as VC Fasina says it’s a call to build healthy, decent men
Bamidele Eleniola and Femi Otitoju
The Directorate of Gender Studies at the Federal University Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) hosted its inaugural Boys’ Summit on December 5, 2024, at the university s main auditorium.
The maiden event was designed to promote healthy living and strong moral character among male students.
The event, however, attracted faculty members, students and distinguished guest speakers within and outside the university.
Also, the summit featured sub-themes such as “Drug Usage and Abuse, “Effects on Mental Health, “Building Healthy Communities, and “Taking Actions to Stay Healthy.”
In her welcome address, the Director of Gender Studies, Professor Sylva Uzochukwu x-rayed importance of the summit, describing as apt to the overall development and growth of the university.
She said : “We are delighted to have you all here today. We are most grateful to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina for his magnitude in supporting these summits in cash and kind, including declaring lectures free-day for the 100 Level students.
“We thank the DVC (SPRIL), Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole and other members of the management team for their support in many different ways. We are always grateful to the Dean of Students for cooperating with us.
“This summit was organized to further reinforce all was said to our first-year boys during their first year of essential activities organized by the students affairs division as the vision in the Center for Gender Studies is to help create a war-free of gender bases where men and women are gender sensitive and embrace equality and equity.
“Gender means different things to different people. Gender studies focus on pressing local and global social justice issues.
” We examine on how gender shapes people’s life experiences, knowledge, and possibilities in relation to indigenous and racialized Identities, class, sexuality, age, ability, geographical location and more.
” Some may wonder why the gender center, which usually organizes activities for females, suddenly organized this for boys. The truth is that when we talk about women, It includes the women, their children, and their husbands. That is why we say that when you educate a woman, you educate a nation. Yes, females are marginalized, traumatized and suffer injustice globally.
“As a result, there is a concerted effort to build up a girl’s confidence and resilience to empower them to succeed in the world out there. We, however, realize that the boys also have problems of their own, and they are the ones to marry these girls we don’t want to groom perfect girls only to marry them off to monsters.”
She said that was why the Directorate had called the first year boys so as today to dialogue with them on their mental, physical and spiritual health.
She, however, urged the students to visit Gender Center whenever they had problems.
In his opening remarks, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Strategic Planning and Institutional Linkages (DVC-SPRIL), who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, emphasized significance of the summit for students and staff.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the need for fathers to keep the boys would not allow them to tolerate anyone misbehaving with their daughters.
This, he said had underscored the importance of treating women with respect and dignity.
While lamenting decreased presence of gentlemen in today s society, the Vice-Chancellor urged male students to embody decency and integrity in their lifestyles.
He said : “A gentleman is not merely someone who graduates in character and learning; it’s about being decent and respectful, especially towards women.”
Also, the Vice-Chancellor further remarked that resolving issues through physical violence reflected a lack of intelligence as “Character comes first when we are looking to transform this country.”
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Sunday Ayodele Akinkunmi delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Registrar, Mr. Ibrahim Adesina Muftau, congratulating the students on the privilege of studying at FUOYE.
According to the university registrar, the university s motto was “a tool that transforms lives,” emphasizing the institution’s commitment to shaping students into responsible individuals in order to face future challenges.
He said: “We want to catch you young so that you can be good ambassadors of the university.”
The Registrar also stressed importance of instilling good character during their time on campus while reaffirming the university s zero-tolerance policy for social vices. He encouraged the students to take the summit’s lessons seriously.
Guest speaker, Dr. Abolaji Paul Adekeye of the Department of Mental Health, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti spoke on “Gender Equality and the Identity Crisis in Adolescence. “
Guest Speaker: Dr. Abolaji Adekeye, FEHI
While dwelling on global importance of gender equality as a United Nations goal explained how substance abuse often stemmed from a lack of self-identity, lamenting how many young people turned to drugs as a coping mechanism for feelings of uncertainty.
He defined health as a state of physical, mental, and social well-being, saying that various substances and their effects, including intoxication and intolerance had destroyed many promising young men.
Also speaking, Mr. Emmanuel Adohoje, Head Academic Affairs Office at FUOYE, tutored the students on “Building Healthy Communities.”
Mr. Emmanuel Adohoje
He introduced the concept of E-BUILD, a strategy for fostering healthy, thriving communities.
By breaking down each letter in the acronyms , he illustrated how students could contribute to a better future by adopting the enumerated principles.
To Professor Hilary J. Okoh of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Federal University Oye Ekiti, spoke on “Necessary Actions to Stay Healthy,” emphasizing the importance of mental, psychological, and social health.
He stated that emotional stability and physical fitness were crucial for leading a balanced and successful life.
“Being healthy is not just about physical fitness; it’s essential to ensure your emotional well-being,” he noted, while urging male students to take personal responsibility for their health.
Professor Olubukola Oyawoye, Director of FUOYE’s Directorate of Advancement Centre, expressed her delight in witnessing the student’s active participation in such an essential programme.
She highlighted the importance of the summit in fostering the students’ growth and mental well-being, particularly in preparing them for adulthood.
Professor Oyawoye said : “This programme will lay the foundation for your future, enhancing both your academic progress and physical health. “
The Students’ Union President (SUG), comrade Abiodun Olorunsola Mary delivered an inspiring speech, encouraging students to understand and respect the opposite gender.
She identified the many challenges faced by students, including coming from broken families or experiencing poverty and molestation, which might lead some to give up. “If you want to succeed in life, you must rise above these challenges, recognize your worth, and embrace opportunities,” she advised.
The summit concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Kayode Omowumi on behalf of the Directorate of Gender Studies.
She expressed gratitude to Professor Fasina for approving and funding the programme, thanked the guest speakers and attendees, and commended the students for their active participation.
FUOYEnews gathered that the FUOYE Boys Summit has established a strong precedent in fostering a culture of respect, healthy living, and character development, reinforcing the university s commitment to shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
photo credit: Nifesimi Ogungbe
