The Federal University of Education, Pankshin Women Association (FUEPAWA) has been formally inaugurated, with the new association commencing its activities with a free medical outreach for staff and members of the university community.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Federal University of Education, Pankshin, brought together members of the university management, staff, students, government representatives and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Noel Wannang, congratulated the women on the formal inauguration of FUEPAWA and commended their contributions to family stability, the academic environment and society.
Prof. Wannang particularly praised the decision to combine the inauguration with a medical outreach, describing the initiative as a practical demonstration of the Association’s commitment to the welfare of members of the university community.
While inaugurating the new executive committee, the Vice Chancellor declared that “the world is a far better place with a woman in it,” and assured FUEPAWA of the continued support of the University Management for initiatives that promote human capacity development and community care.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Dr. Adenike Seyi Odewumi, traced the history of the women’s association to 1999, when it was conceived by the late Mrs. Martha Ibrahim Bulus to promote unity, peace and development among women staff of the institution, irrespective of their status.
According to her, the Association was subsequently championed by wives of successive Chief Executives of the institution, with support from the wives of Registrars.
She explained that following the conversion and upgrade of the institution from a College to a University, the Association was transformed, rebranded and rechristened the Federal University of Education Pankshin Women Association (FUEPAWA).
She added that the Association is now being led by Mrs. Vivian Nkeruka Wannang, wife of the Vice Chancellor.
In her acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated President of FUEPAWA, Mrs. Vivian Nkeruka Wannang, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in her and the executive committee.
Mrs. Wannang described her new responsibility as both humbling and honourable, pledging to work with members to advance the objectives of the Association.
She identified five strategic pillars that will guide her administration: welfare and unity; capacity building and empowerment; health and wellness; community service and impact; and organisational growth.
The inauguration also featured presentations aimed at promoting personal development and health awareness.
The Director of the University’s TETFund Centre of Excellence, Prof. Zipporah Duguryil, delivered a presentation titled “United We Rise: Building a Brighter Tomorrow Today.”
Dr. Elekwachi Victor and Dr. Okan Adara also delivered presentations on breast and cervical cancer, highlighting the importance of awareness, early detection and preventive healthcare.
Beneficiaries of the free medical outreach received services including blood pressure, blood glucose and hepatitis tests, as well as eye-care services. The Students’ Union Government (SUG) complemented the initiative with free barbing services.
A goodwill message from the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Mrs. Ngo Josephine Piyo, represented by the Liaison Officer, Kanke Constituency, Hon. Jiritmwa Goyit, focused on the importance of women’s inclusion and gender equity in governance.
The Deputy Governor’s representative stressed that sustainable development would remain difficult to achieve without the active participation of women across sectors of public life.
Other goodwill messages came from the Chairman of Pankshin Local Government Council, Hon. Felix Gonung, represented by his Secretary, Hon. Ishaya Dilkuk; the Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Pankshin, represented by Mrs. Grace Fankun; and the Chairman of the Committee of Deans, Prof. Dung Mohammed Dauda.
The Registrar of the Federal University of Education, Pankshin, Mr. Longtong Godwill Yadok, and his wife, Mrs. Stephanie Yadok, who serves as Secretary of FUEPAWA, delivered the vote of thanks.
They appreciated the University Management, guests, Planning Committee, medical personnel and other stakeholders for contributing to the success of the event.
Other members of the newly inaugurated FUEPAWA Executive Committee are Dr. Grace Okenmor, Dr. Adenike Seyi Odewumi, Mrs. Hauwa Muhammad Dung, Mrs. Lohya Cirfat and Mrs. Roselyn Yakse.
The ceremony also featured musical performances by Divine Band and cultural displays by the Igbo, Goemai and Angas students’ cultural troupes, adding colour to the historic inauguration.
The inauguration of FUEPAWA marks a new chapter in efforts to strengthen women’s unity, welfare, empowerment, health and collective contribution to the development of the Federal University of Education, Pankshin.
