AMANDLA! VANGUARD EDITION
Ifeoma Enemo, Ph.D.

Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Nigeria.
Head, Department of International and Comparative Law, University of Nigeria.
My Story, Your Inspiration
In 2007, I was appointed the first female Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, after 47 years of its existence. I was confronted with a great task and challenge of leading the Faculty through the National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation exercise. This was critical to its continued existence, having lost accreditation in 2005 with adverse consequences. Another failed accreditation would have attracted the sanction of closure of the Faculty by the NUC. The thought of a possibility of closure of the oldest law faculty in Nigeria, under my watch, as a woman, sent shivers down my spine. I put leadership qualities to work; focus, clarity of vision and mission, transparency and accountability, team spirit, hard work, commitment and dedication; and mobilized all staff successfully. The NUC Accreditation result was a FULL ACCREDITATION to the Faculty! A woman did it!! Determined to be a change agent where ever I am.
“I am a woman and cannot pursue my dream career because it is reserved for men; I cannot be a leader among men;” these are thoughts that must be seriously jettisoned. It is not easy being in the minority, but those qualities of a dynamic woman should be brought to bear: passion, determination, kindness, and integrity. Women can bring their experiences and perspectives on board. Believe that you can. Our gender/sex is not a disability. We must overcome the discouraging stereotypes, anxiety, self-doubt and fear that come with negative thoughts. We can acknowledge our fear and determine to put an end to it. Running away from responsibility because of fear may mean we have only taken a short cut to meet it. Success should be our desire. However, success in any endeavor of life has a pathway; discover it, follow it, and achieve it! Choose today to be reborn.