African Universities Urged to Recognize Women Scholars

During a presentation at the University of Ibadan, Professor Toyin Falola addressed the need for African universities to enhance recognition of women scholars. He spoke at the launch of Professor Doyin Aguoru's book, advocating for a shift in African academia to move beyond mere symbolic praise of women scholars.

Falola lamented that despite significant contributions from women to Nigerian and African scholarship, they often remain marginalized and underrecognized. He pointed out that women face structural barriers that limit their visibility and influence, including restricted access to research funding and leadership opportunities.

Falola called for serious citation of women's work, major lecture invitations, and leadership appointments to correct historical imbalances. He emphasized that recognizing women scholars is essential for producing a complete body of African knowledge, and that their intellectual contributions should be celebrated while they are alive, not just posthumously.