Chinedum Elekwachi
Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh has called for enshrinement of age-old Igbo philosophy of Ofu Obi (oneness of heart), where both genders work side by side to build stronger families and prosperous society.
Chuma-Udeh made the call while delivering her lecture at the 25th inaugural lecture of Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Igbariam
The lecture, titled “The Algorithms of the Be-side Construct: Transcending the Quandaries of Equality to Dynamic Equipoise,” took place at the ETF Hall, COOU, Igbariam, Anambra State.
Chuma-Udeh examined the long-standing call for gender equality, arguing that rather than bridging the gap between men and women, has in some cases widened the divide and creating what she termed “gender wars.”
She observed that constant advocacy for gender equality has led to significant female empowerment, especially through education, resulting in women occupying top positions in various careers, particularly in education.
The Commissioner however noted that male participation and enrollment in schools have continued to decline.
More female school heads than male
The Commissioner said, “We now have more female principals and headmistresses than males.”
She stressed that the lecture aimed to propose a framework to end gender conflicts and achieve true balance between men and women.
She introduced the “Be-side Construct”—a social model based on personhood rather than gender.
“The Be-side Construct goes beyond the struggle for equality, instead advocating for men and women to rise together as partners in social progress.
“It calls for balanced and standardized empowerment for both genders.
The Commissioner questioned societal contradictions such as labeling men as “heads of the family” while simultaneously advocating women’s emancipation, asking whether this implies “two heads” in a family.
Furthermore, she critiqued the saying, “Behind every successful man is a woman,” arguing that it fuels inequality.
Instead, she urged society to embrace the notion: “Beside every successful man is a successful woman.”
Ending gender stereotype
Chuma-Udeh further explained that the Be-side Construct envisions a society where people see one another not through the lens of gender, but as human beings equally capable of achieving success.
“For society to progress, there must be a shift from traditional gender stereotypes to a construct where women can stand confidently beside men, not behind them,” she stated.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor of COOU, Prof. Kate Omenugha described the lecture as significant.
She noted that it was the first inaugural lecture under her tenure as the substantive Vice Chancellor.
Omenugha emphasized that inaugural lectures are purely academic exercises and should not be politicized.
According to her, the university had recorded tremendous growth in this regard, moving from seven inaugural lectures before she assumed office to 25 within two years.
“The inaugural lectures provide professors the opportunity to showcase their academic prowess, make intellectual contributions and demonstrate their distinction in the academic world,” she added.
