Prof Hassan Saliu
Madam Julie Sanda, a distinguished member of our Executive Committee (EXCO) and a renowned scholar, marks another year of life. For years, we have acknowledged the under-representation of women in our Association. Despite boasting numerous male professors, the number of female members remains disproportionately low compared to their male counterparts.
Globally, Political Science is a male-dominated field, evident in the plethora of groundbreaking research and publications authored by male scholars. While recognizing the capabilities of our female members, it is essential to acknowledge that many pioneering research studies have been associated with male scholars. Another significant factor hindering our female members is the challenge of balancing domestic responsibilities with the demands of research and academic productivity. Our cultural context also poses a barrier to women’s advancement in our discipline.
Sanda towering in the midst of other defense intellectuals
However, it is heartening to note that we are witnessing a surge in the number of female Political Scientists making significant contributions to our field. Under the current leadership of our Association, we have initiated deliberate efforts to enhance the research capacities of our female members. With the financial support of Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and a distinguished member of our Association, we organized a Methodology Workshop specifically for female members from three geopolitical zones in Ilorin in June 2024. The second leg of the workshop, facilitated by the Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Prof. Marietu Tenuche, a fellow of the NPSA, was held between 11 and 12 December, 2024 catered to female members from the remaining three geopolitical zones of North East, North West and South East.
Our paths have crossed several times on academic and social platforms. I cannot recollect our first meeting, as it was a long time ago. However, I vividly remember our encounters at the Defence College, Abuja, where I occasionally deliver lectures and conduct project examinations. I also recall the Keffi episode in 2015, where I was considered to have supporters, and Madam Julie Sanda was categorized as one of “Saliu’s girls” on account of her support for my bid for the presidency of our Association at Keffi in 2015. Although this label was unfounded, we often joke about it, and I appreciate her sense of humour anytime we meet and recollect the issue.
In the recent history of the NPSA, we do not encourage our members to openly campaign for positions apparently because of its potential to create divisions among us. It was therefore strange when some members resorted to tagging some of our members as ‘’Saliu boys and girls.’’ More unfortunate was the inclusion of our senior members as part of my boys because of their participation at a meeting to regjig the NPSA that was held at the National Defence Collage, Abuja, in 2015. It is rather ridiculous that one or two persons who had played a role in my academic career were inconveniently considered as part of ‘’Saliu’s boys.’’ Again, I did not have and still do not have Saliu’s boys and girls in the NPSA. It was pure propaganda, fabricated by those who were hell – bent on stopping me in becoming the president of the NPSA.
Madam Julie Sanda is an exemplary female scholar who has successfully combined academic excellence with activism which she was baptised into in Zaria and Jos during her student days under the tutelage of Profs. Rauf Mustapha, Bjorn Beckman, Jonah Elaigwu, A. T Gana, W. O Alli, among others. Her involvement in activism was cultivated also in Zaria through participation in the activities of Women in Nigeria (WIN) under the leadership of the likes of Ayesha Imam and Altine Mohammed. She obtained her degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and University of Jos, the two institutions she holds in high esteem. Her area of specialization is International Relations, although her work at the National Defence College, Abuja, occasionally involves Strategic Studies. Working under Prof. Istifanus Zabadi, a fellow of the NPSA and others, she has contributed immensely to shaping the academic content of the Defence College.
Before becoming a full member of the NPSA after her graduation from ABU, Zaria, she had been acquainted with the Association as a student member, who was attending NPSA’s conferences. And now as a member of the EXCO, Madam Julie has been making invaluable contributions to our discussions. Her views are always well-received, and she intervenes thoughtfully, ensuring that our decisions are informed and balanced. Her commitment to promoting gender representation within our Association is commendable. I recall an instance where she subtly pointed out the lack of gender representation among the speakers at one of our programmes, leading us to reconstitute the committee to ensure a more balanced representation.
Madam Julie is a loyal and dedicated member of our Association. She has undertaken various responsibilities, including introducing Professor Istifanus Zabadi, a fellow of the NPSA during one of our programmes, and serving on the selection panel for the next conference host university. She is also an active member of the Society of International Relations Awareness (SIRA), where she shares valuable insights and contributes to the growth of the Society.
Currently, Madam Julie is serving her native state of Plateau, working tirelessly to promote healthy inter-group relations. Given the security challenges facing the state, her role is both critical and demanding. We can only wish her success in this endeavour.
As you celebrate another year of life, I pray that God continues to guide and support you. As the President of the NPSA, I urge you to remain committed to our Association, sharing your expertise and experience to enrich our activities. On behalf of the EXCO and other members of the NPSA, I extend warm felicitations to you on your birthday. Happy birthday, and many happy returns!
