Students of the Department of Sociology, Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), have visited the United Nations (UN) Field Office in Bauchi to gain practical knowledge of development interventions being implemented by UN agencies in the state and across Nigeria.
The educational visit, which brought students and lecturers into direct engagement with officials of UNFPA, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), focused on demographic dividend, youth development, reproductive health, social protection and community-based interventions.
The engagement exposed the students to the practical application of sociological knowledge in addressing population and development challenges, particularly those affecting young people, women, girls and persons with disabilities.
Officials of the UN agencies explained their respective mandates and highlighted key intervention areas, including maternal health, family planning, gender-based violence prevention, youth empowerment, child protection, education, healthcare and the use of demographic data for development planning.
The discussions also examined how population data and evidence-based approaches are used in designing policies and programmes aimed at improving the wellbeing of communities.
Speaking during the engagement, the Head of the Department of Sociology, Dr. Jamilu Yaya, said the visit was designed to bridge the gap between academic theories and professional practice.
“Learning is beyond the four walls of the classroom. Students need to connect theories and perspectives with professional practice in the real world,” he said.
He added that exposing students to institutions involved in development planning and implementation would broaden their understanding of the practical responsibilities of sociologists and other social scientists.
The session also featured an interactive question-and-answer segment, during which students sought clarification from the UN officials on career opportunities, volunteer programmes and internship possibilities within international development organisations.
Participants described the engagement as an eye-opening experience, noting that it provided them with a clearer understanding of how international development policies are translated into programmes and interventions at the community level.
Dr. Yaya commended the UN Bauchi Field Office for hosting the delegation and expressed the department’s commitment to sustaining engagements that provide students with practical exposure and professional learning opportunities.
The delegation from Sa’adu Zungur University was led by Dr. Yaya and included Dr. Jibrin Babayo Suleiman, Dr. Dalhatu Abubakar, Dr. Rabi’u Barau Bal, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences; Mal. Mohammed Waziri, Deputy Dean, Students’ Affairs; Mal. Lamaran Gamawa, Mr. Diqson Bisuhgad Yunana, Mal. Bala Baba, Mal. Shehu Ibrahim Turum, Malama Murjanatu Abubakar Malami, Mal. Ahmed Abubakar, Mal. Yahuza Sa’idu Sambo, and a large number of Sociology students.
Also in attendance from the UN agencies were Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi; Dr. Sani Ibrahim, State Coordinator, WHO; Dr. Oluseyi Olosunde, Health Officer, UNICEF; Deborah Tabara, Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst and State Programme Officer, UNFPA Bauchi; Bahijjatu Bello Garko, Andat Dasogot, and Dr. Audu Alayande of the UNFPA Country Office, Abuja, among others.
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