The National Association of Political Science Students at Bayero University, Kano (BUK) has elected its first female president, , a 400-level student of the department.
Her election is the first of its kind in the history of the association and has been greeted with excitement by students and lecturers.
Speaking during her inauguration, the Head of Department, Professor Abdulmalik Auwal, said the development was a source of pride to the department. He noted that Asma’u’s emergence showed the confidence students have in her leadership.
In an interview, Asma’u said the journey to her new role was not without challenges. “It wasn’t an easy decision, as I faced a lot of discouragement. Many people told me that leadership isn’t an easy place for women to occupy. But I told myself that it was not about gender, it was about passion, commitment to serve, and courage to represent others,” she said.
She described her father as her biggest source of motivation. “My dad always tells me I can do anything I set my mind to do. He is proud to have a daughter who is now a president, and that has been a huge encouragement to me,” she added.
The new president also thanked her colleagues for standing by her, saying their trust gave her the confidence to contest.
Female students in the department said Asma’u’s victory was a breakthrough that would inspire others to aim for leadership positions. “They were overjoyed because it showed that women are capable. It tells young women that their voices are valid and their dreams are achievable,” she said.
Asma’u urged female students to be courageous in pursuing leadership, adding that although politics has long been dominated by men, women too can succeed if they remain determined.