The Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, recently concluded course 52 of its highly regarded Policy Strategy and Leadership Course, a four-week transformative program that left an indelible mark on its participants.

22 of the 66 participants were women—constituting a third of the cohort.

They emerged not just as learners but as champions of female leadership in a male-dominated terrain.

Participants emphasised the transformative power of education and the importance of fostering gender inclusivity in leadership.

Jane Ogugua

Reflecting on how the course broadened her perspective, Jane Ogugua, the Vice President of PSLC 52 and staff member of Doctors Without Borders, said: “For us women, the course enhanced our capacity to lead by inculcating knowledge through the different modules.”
Adding that the leadership model focused on aspects like policy, strategies of leadership, developing a strength, stakeholder analysis, and emotional intelligence.

Ogugua further emphasised the critical role women played in the program.
“Of the class excos, three were women, and two of the five study group leaders were also women,” she noted.

“We maximized our capacity to lead even in group settings,” she said.

Speaking on gender insensitivity, Ogugua highlighted the program’s lessons on reframing perspectives: “One key point for everyone is to start by implementing the desired change we want to see in our circles of control, where we have the most power.”

Modupe Animashaun

Modupe Animashaun, a Lagos State-sponsored participant, described the course as “a very rich, very deep, very engaging, and very enlightening program adding that “no one who goes into it for the four weeks ever comes out the same.”

According to her, “Your mind is stretched, and your creativity ignited.”

Animashaun lauded the course’s inclusivity, noting the balanced representation in group activities. “We were conscious that women had a place, and we are taking that same consciousness back into work and society,” she said.

“When women are allowed to thrive, society is better for it. Women can not take the back seat just because they are women. We must have the same opportunities and prove ourselves,” she concluded.

For Efunfela Ojekale, a Cabin Safety Inspector with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the training provided tools to excel in male-dominated fields.
“You need a mindset of ‘I can do it,’” she advised. “Building on that, focus on self-improvement and consistently update your knowledge. Biases and stereotypes may persist, but confidence and competence will set you apart.”

Ojekale also stressed the importance of mentorship and networking. “Find mentors—male or female, preferably women, who can guide you and build a strong support network, especially with other women,” she said.

She, however, emphasised the need for empowered women to empower other women.

“As you grow, help to mentor others, ensuring you leave a path for others to follow,” she said.

Jamila Idris, founder of Milaris Consult Limited, while speaking on xatalysing change through strategy, revealed how the course refined her approach to policy and strategy.
“As a participant of PSLC 52, I learned the importance of stakeholder inclusion in decision-making processes to avoid sabotage,” she said.

“This helps bridge the gap between the governed and the government, ensuring people feel, seen, and heard.”

Idris emphasised the need for vision-driven leadership. “One of the major problems in Nigeria is the lack of a shared vision. When policies are properly designed and stakeholders’ interests are considered, it ensures effective implementation,” she concluded.

Hajia Aishatu Bawa Bello, a self-sponsored from Adamawa State expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to discussions on gender inclusivity and development in the workplace.

Reflecting on her experience, she noted the pivotal role women play as nation builders and the need for collective efforts to ensure their empowerment in professional settings.

While encouraging men as partners in progress, Bawa-Bello urged them to view women as partners rather than competitors, calling for mutual respect and collaboration to achieve organisational goals. “We encourage men to appreciate women as partners in progress. To tackle the problems of women in the workplace, we need to analyze gender biases and barriers and establish targets for gender diversity and inclusiveness. This will give women the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and advance organizational progress.”

Also speaking on workplace barriers, she highlighted the need to identify and eliminate biases that hinder women’s career growth, advocating for equal pay, inclusive policies, and career advancement opportunities.

“Career advancement requires training and skill development to enable women to achieve organizational objectives. Increasing women’s representation in leadership roles is equally critical. Women should be encouraged to share their concerns and ideas, contributing to organizational development with confidence,” she added.

She further highlighted the importance of mentorship, teamwork, and celebrating women’s contributions.
“Every department should encourage teamwork and mentorship, fostering a supportive environment for women to grow and succeed. Achievements, no matter how small, should be celebrated. Recognition need not always be monetary; it can be as simple as acknowledgement and appreciation.”

She also emphasised the need to create platforms where women can voice their concerns and share ideas, fostering an environment of inclusion and innovation. “Let women speak up and share their ideas. This will boost their confidence to face challenges and inspire others to do the same.”

Drawing from her own experience, she acknowledged the strides made in Adamawa State in empowering women. “I thank the present administration for giving women opportunities. In Adamawa State, we have a woman serving as the deputy governor and vice-chairpersons of the local governments. Despite these responsibilities, women maintain integrity and humility, proving that they are agents of development capable of changing narratives in the workplace.”

She expressed her gratitude to Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for trusting her to lead the Department of Poverty Alleviation for five years, enabling her to contribute to the state’s development.

Concluding, Bawa Bello stated that with a vision for a workplace free of gender biases, where women are celebrated for their achievements and empowered to drive organizational success.
“By addressing biases, promoting inclusion, and ensuring integrity, we can change negative perceptions about women in leadership and create a more equitable workplace. Women are achievers and agents of development, and with the grace of God, we can change the barriers holding them back.”

Through its focus on leadership, policy, and strategy, NIPSS Course 52 equipped its female participants with the tools to thrive and lead in challenging spaces.