By Sageer Ado.

The Inspiring Leadership Reflection Interactive Series (ILERIS) of the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has today featured Prof. Aisha Abdul Isma’il, the director center for Gender Studies, Bayero University, Kano as the Guest Speaker of the month. Every month CITAD invites people who have skills, experiences and achievements to interact with staff, interns, friends and associates of the organization with view of motivating them. In his opening remark, the Executive Director of the Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) who was represented by the Training Coordinator, Malam Ahmad Abdullahi Yakasai condoled with the family of Prof. Aisha Isma’il over the death of her daughter. He said that CITAD planned to host Prof. Aisha since last month, but unfortunately on that very day the center received the news of the passing away of the Aisha’s daughter. He then prayed that May Almighty Allah (SWT) in his infinite mercy forgive her and grant her a place in jannatul Firdaus.

Prof. Aisha Isma’il started her presentation with giving her personal circumstances and experiences that shaped her life. She said that she started her primary education at the age of nine years at Shekara boarding primary school; from there she proceeded to Saint Luis secondary school. Prof said that she had science background but was given a political science at the university. As she wants to study medicine, at the beginning she rejected, but later on was advised and convinced to read the political science. Prof Aisha said that she was offered a job while she was doing her master degree.

Prof. Aisha encouraged the participants that they should not to be discouraged in life. Saying that life is not street line, you cannot get what you have planned for yourself directly. As a teacher, Prof told that there were lots of experiences to share. Students almost want teachers to assist, and the worrisome part of it when you assist they will not go on that direction, they will deviate. As a Level Coordinator, there were difficult and hot times. I used to guide students not only academically but in all life endeavors. For the ladies, Prof. Aisha cautioned them to understand that whatever you have as qualification you still be a wife. As a director, center for gender studies, Bayero University, Kano my perception on gender issues differs from many people. In gender issues, you find the good, the bad and the ugly. At the center for gender studies, Bayero University, Kano, we have concentrated on family issues to strengthen them. At beginning of our operation, we invited all the stakeholders for gender setting. She then worried about political participation of women in politics in Kano State. Saying that here in Kano it could be a war for women to be legislatures. But the society must understand that having a woman as a legislature is very important.

In her response when asked on her role as a commissioner Ministry for Higher Education, Kano State, Prof said that she cried when given the appointment.  She cried as she doesn’t like the position because of the habit of most of politicians. But Allah in his Mercy with the consistence guidance of the Permanent Secretary then she succeeded the appointment.  Lastly, the Prof. emphasized that she likes obstacles in life. Explaining that obstacles strengthen people, they made people to think wider.