ABU Political Science Department Hosts Book Presentation, Commissions Smart Classroom

 By Ahmad L. Muhammad

300-Level, Department of Chemistry

Dr. Amina A. Salihu with the book cover

The Department of Political Science and International Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in collaboration with the Gender Policy Unit, hosted a Presentation and Dialogue on the book "Leading with Our Humanity: Elevating Communities through Gender Equity and Social Inclusion" and Official Commissioning of the Smart Classroom on Friday, 18th September, 2026.

The event was held at 9:30AM at the Departmental Library, Department of Political Science and International Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences.

The book was authored by Dr. Amina Salihu, Mni, Deputy Director, Africa Office, MacArthur Foundation, who was the Guest Speaker and Author at the event.

The Chief Host was Prof. Adamu Ahmed, Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, while Prof. Kayode Omoyowa of the Department of Political Science and International Studies served as Chairman of the Occasion. The Host was Dr. Mohammed Lawal Tafida, Head of Department, and the Co-Host was Prof. Rahanatu Lawal, Coordinator, Gender Policy Unit.

In her presentation, Dr. Salihu shared three major lessons. According to her, politics is local and that political processes begin with community voices. She explained that Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) should be seen as a value, an approach, and an outcome, and that accountability requires action from both leaders and citizens.

She also made recommendations for universities, emerging leaders, and communities. She urged universities to produce knowledge that goes beyond journals and classrooms and to encourage critical thinking on who benefits, who pays, and who is left out in public policy.

To emerging leaders, she said occupying an office is not leadership. According to her, leadership is shown through service, competence, courage, and responsibility. She called on communities and citizens to demand strong public institutions, ask questions that protect the commonwealth, and uphold integrity and value in public service.

Cross-section of participants

Immediately after the presentation, a smart classroom was commissioned at the Departmental Library. The facility is expected to improve teaching, learning, and academic engagement within the department.

The program continued with a dialogue session where participants discussed gender equity, social inclusion, leadership, accountability, and the role of citizens in shaping their communities.

Participant Abdulaziz Dawet said the event was an eye-opener for him. For him, respecting a woman is not about being a hero, it is just about being human. He said we need to see women first as human beings. He also asked Dr. Salihu how to handle hostile environments as an advocate, and she told him to build trust and communicate strategically.

The event brought together academics, university administrators, researchers, and undergraduate and postgraduate students for an engaging exchange on leadership, public policy, and inclusive community development.

Watch full event: https://youtube.com/live/ao-n--ikBew

Source: Public Affairs Directorate, ABU Zaria