THE Women and Girls Empowerment Foundation International (WOGEFI) recently hosted the premiere of the "Madam Lecturer" series at the Lagos State University, LASU, sparking conversations about lecturer-student relationships, lecturer-student boundaries, and power dynamics in the University.
The series, which was produced by an Associate Professor in the Department of English, LASU, Dr Olawunmi Oni-Buraimoh, premiered at the LASU Staff Club on Thursday, October 24, 2024.
The premiere, which featured episodes such as ‘Madam Colos’, and others, drew experts in the academic and non-academic fields and students alike. The event was facilitated by Dr Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose of the Department of English, LASU.
Some commentary highlights from the episodes claim that lecturers should interact with students in a familiar language, avoiding extremity or vulgarity, lecturers must understand students' social and world views, desires, and needs, considering their Gen-Z mentality, and lecturers should prioritise economic advancement while avoiding abusing power.
Other comments say that students should stop being lackadaisical towards learning and education while lecturers should be able to admit their wrongdoings, especially when it comes to mistakes in result upload.
When discussing the informal relationship between lecturers and students, attendees say that students and lecturers should establish clear boundaries, which may be initiated by the lecturers through the adoption of an open-door policy.
Other attendees shared their perspectives on the importance of maintaining professional relationships and promoting a safe learning environment.
Dignitaries at the event include Dr Adeyelure (Philosophy), Mr Ben, Dr Abayomi Bello (Theatre Arts), Dr Olaluwoye (Communications), Dr GAB (English), Dr Olatunji (Communications), and Dr Abiola (Education), among others.
