A Professor of Gender and Humanitarianism at the Centre for Gender and Humanitarianism and Development Studies, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Prof. Oluwatoyin Olatundun Ilesanmi, has proposed five priority solutions to address gender-based violence and complex humanitarian challenges in Nigeria.
Ilesanmi made the recommendations on Thursday while delivering the university’s 24th inaugural lecture titled, ‘Vulnerability, Voice and Valour: Navigating Transformative Frontiers in Gender, Humanitarianism, and Psychosocial Wellbeing’.
The professor called for a fundamental shift in Nigeria and Africa’s approach to crises, arguing that contemporary challenges require integrated responses covering gender, mental health, governance, security and community wellbeing.
She said the traditional approach of addressing humanitarian and psychosocial challenges in separate boxes was no longer effective, stressing the need for greater collaboration among relevant disciplines and institutions.
The don’s first recommendation was the dismantling of academic silos separating clinical practice from conflict and humanitarian settings, urging universities and scholars to develop integrated approaches to human wellbeing.
“We must build intellectual bridges. I call on scholars to demonstrate epistemic valour and avoid working in isolation,” she stated.
Ilesanmi also called for the institutionalisation of gender as a core analytical lens, rather than treating it as an additional component of development and humanitarian interventions.
She advocated a shift from performative humanitarianism to trauma-informed and inclusive interventions, adding that disaster management systems should prioritise organised care instead of relying on “symbolic expressions of compassion.”
The professor also stressed the need to protect the psychosocial wellbeing of vulnerable people and caregivers, while calling for the aggressive pursuit of epistemic justice in the documentation and use of marginalised voices.
On governance and security, Ilesanmi urged governments to move beyond symbolic condolences and strengthen structural accountability in justice, governance and security systems.
She said, “Universities should no longer remain mere observers of crises but become sites of protection and intellectual transformation. Sustainable change would require the involvement of community, cultural and religious gatekeepers.
“Vulnerability will always exist, but through our collective valour, it need not be a death sentence.”
In his closing remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Prof. Shadrach Akindele, emphasised the need for impact.
Akindele also appreciated the lecturer’s family and the university community for supporting the inaugural lecture.