Breaking Barrier: Female Leadership on the Rise in Southwest Campus Journalism

In a shift signaling a new era in campus journalism across Southwest Nigeria, women are increasingly taking the helm of major student press organizations, challenging old stereotypes and inspiring a new generation of journalists. This change is coming at a time when their efforts are geared towards securing more leadership positions for women in the country. This development exists as a form of progress.

At Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Press (MAPOLY Press), Ogunjobi Oluwatomisin, the current president, describes her motivation for contesting as rooted in her desire to serve and address systemic challenges within student media. “Oppression, to me, is when you have a problem but feel you cannot speak about it because of your status or fear of consequences. I saw this happen a lot in school and I wanted to change it,” she said.

Tomisin likens her approach to leadership to an entrepreneurial strategy she once used to solve a practical problem in her class. By creating a small solution to a common discomfort, which was selling fans to combat heat in crowded classrooms. This honed her ability to identify problems, offer solutions, and engage a wide audience. “If I could get that kind of audience to solve a fan issue, why can’t I bring this energy into the Press Club Mapoly and get more people to write and speak where many listen?” she asked rhetorically. 

Beyond her operational strategies, Tomisin emphasized inclusivity. “I like a system where everybody feels part of every major thing going on. When the system is inclusive, people want to bring others in, and that keeps the club vibrant,” she said. For her, leadership is about promoting collective success rather than individual recognition.

At the University of Ibadan, the Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ) President, Jesutomiwo Adebumowa recounts an early challenge she faced as a female leader. Assigned the demanding role of politics editor, she recalls being told, “as a female, you shouldn’t be handling a difficult desk. Politics is too technical for your mind, a desk like health or fashion would be more suitable.” She responded by demonstrating her capability, showing that leadership depends on skill, not gender. “Leadership isn’t by gender; it’s by the capability of the individual,” she said.

Similarly, at the University of Ilorin, UCJ President Ambali Waleeyah Ayomide highlighted both passion and legacy as driving forces behind her leadership. “Firstly, the passion I have for journalism, and secondly, the need to continue the legacy laid down by the former president. I am also motivated by the need for female leadership on campus,” she said. Ambali noted that while she has faced subtle resistance, particularly from political figures, it has instead strengthened her resolve. “Being looked down on as a female leader motivated me to be a better leader,” she said.

All three women emphasized mentorship and inclusivity as central to their vision. Tomisin is intentional about developing young journalists, regardless of gender, while the University of Ibadan president focuses on bringing experienced female journalists into the fold to inspire the next generation. Ambali adds that her presence has encouraged more female students to join campus journalism, reflecting a growing confidence in women’s leadership.

Esther Olatimehin, the 53rd President of the Association of Campus Journalists at Obafemi Awolowo University and the second female president of the Association, also shared her views. Esther’s interest in contesting for the position of President stemmed from her sense of responsibility. She stated, “Having been a part of ACJ, I saw its strengths, struggles, lapses, and potential. I also noticed areas where we could be more organised, visible, and intentional about preparing for life beyond campus journalism.”

Esther observed these aspects while serving as the Assistant General Secretary two sessions ago and as the Vice President in the previous session. Regarding the resistance she faced due to her gender, Esther explained that while such resistance existed, it did not define her journey. She stated, “It became part of the process that has built my leadership and strengthened my resolve.”

Beyond the resistance, the support system for the President of ACJ-OAU has been quite strong. Esther has people who believed in her before she fully realized it herself, senior colleagues who checked in on her and executives who are carrying the vision with precision. Esther is the second female president of the Association, following Faith Alofe, the 50th President.

Bearing this in mind, the pressure to meet the standard set by the first female president weighs on Esther, as she noted, “The first female president set a strong and admirable standard. People remember her impact, and there is an expectation that I must not only match it but possibly exceed it.” Moreover, Esther is determined to respect the foundation already laid while building on the legacy in her own way.

Esther believes female leaders are treated quite differently from their male counterparts, as male leaders are often given the benefit of the doubt, while female leaders, for example, have their mistakes perceived as reasons why they were never fit for the role from the outset, among other things. Nonetheless, she believes the landscape is changing, as more women are stepping into leadership roles and challenging these judgments.

Since Esther assumed office in July 2023, she stated, “We have created more opportunities and mentorship programmes for members, and we have also recorded the highest number of inductees in recent years, which shows growing trust and interest in ACJ-OAU as a platform for student journalists. Alongside this, we have promoted a more inclusive culture, ensuring every member feels involved, regardless of their experience.”

She added, “On the editorial side, we have implemented more structured rules, improving the quality and consistency of our work. Most importantly, members have become more responsive, engaged, and proactive, committing to the association’s growth.”

Overall, being a female president has been transformative for Esther, as it has pushed her out of her comfort zone, connected her with people, and strengthened her communication skills and ability to build relationships. She concluded by stating, “Going into the future, I’ll carry these lessons with me because they will influence how I lead, how I collaborate, and how I advocate for fairness and excellence wherever I find myself. Above all, this experience has taught me that when you lead with sincerity and courage, your impact outlives your tenure.”

Their stories collectively signal a shift in the Southwest’s campus journalism landscape: one where competence, vision, and inclusivity define leadership, and gender is no longer a barrier. “The future of leadership in Nigeria will be brighter if people who share the same view of leadership with me serving and putting one’s all into service are in charge,” the University of Ibadan president reflected.

As more women occupy positions of influence within campus media, these leaders hope to leave a lasting legacy, demonstrating that the pen, wielded with skill and integrity, knows no gender.