By Bamidele Eleniola, Femi Otitoju
The Directorate of Gender Studies at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) on Thursday hosted its maiden Boys submit in grandstyle
Newsline NG learnt that the maiden event was designed to promote healthy living and strong moral character among male students, the event attracted faculty members, students, and distinguished guest speakers within and outside the university.
The summit which featured sub-themes such as "Drug Usage and Abuse," "Effects on Mental Health," "Building Healthy Communities," and "Taking Actions to Stay Healthy."was held at the university’s main auditorium
In her welcome address, the Director of Gender Studies, Professor Sylva Uzochukwu 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 lecture 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 adding that 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, Is suddenly organizing 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. Professor Uzochukwu added
"The Directorate has called our first year boys here today to start a dialogue with them on their mental, physical and spiritual health
She urged the students to visit Gender Center whenever they have problems
In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina emphasized the significance of the summit for students and staff.
Fasina who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Strategic Planning and Institutional Linkages (DVC-SPRIL), Professor Joshua Ogunwole highlighted that fathers would not tolerate anyone misbehaving with their daughters, underscoring the importance of treating women with respect and dignity
He lamented the decreasing presence of gentlemen in today’s society and urged male students to embody decency and integrity.
"A gentleman is not merely someone who graduates in character and learning; it's about being decent and respectful, especially towards women," he stated.
The Former Bowen VC further remarked that resolving issues through physical violence reflects a lack of intelligence, adding, "Character comes first when we are looking to transform this country."
Also Speaking on behalf of the institution's Registrar, Mr. Sunday Ayodele Akinkunmi congratulate the students on the privilege of studying at FUOYE, emphasizing that the institution's commitment to shaping students into responsible individuals equipped to face future challenges.
"We want to catch you young," so that you can be a good ambassador of the university
The Registrar also stressed on the importance of instilling good character during their time on campus. He reaffirmed the university’s zero-tolerance policy for social vices and encouraged the students to take the summit's lessons seriously.
The first guest speaker,Dr. Abolaji Paul Adekeye ( Department of Mental Health, federal Teaching Hospital,Ido Ekiti) introduced the topic "Gender Equality and the Identity Crisis in Adolescence," discussing the global importance of gender equality as a United Nations goal.
Dr. Abolaji Adekeye noted that many young people turn to drugs as a coping mechanism for feelings of uncertainty.
He defined health as a state of physical, mental, and social well-being and elaborated on various substances and their effects, including intoxication and intolerance.
The second Speaker, Mr. Emmanuel Adohoje, (head Academic Affairs Office) at FUOYE, tutored the students on "Building Healthy Communities."
Professor Hilary J. Okoh of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, federal university Oye- Ekiti while speaking on the topic "Necessary Actions to Stay Healthy," emphasized the importance of mental, psychological, and social health.
"The emotional stability and physical fitness are 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, 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 program.
She highlighted the importance of the summit in fostering the students' growth and mental well-being, particularly in preparing them for adulthood. "This program will lay the foundation for your future, enhancing both your academic progress and physical health," she asserted.
The Students' Union President (SUG), comrade Abiodun Olorunsola Mary in her speech encouraged 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.
Speaking on behalf of the Directorate of Gender Studies Mrs. Kayode Omowumi, expressed her gratitude to Professor Fasina for approving and funding the program, thanked the guest speakers and attendees, and commended the students for their active participation.
Newsline NG however 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.
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