History was made on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, as the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Ibadan chapter, for the first time held a lifetime awards ceremony alongside a significant workshop on career prospects among women at the University of Ibadan.
Championed by the coordinator, Prof. Aina Adeogun, a Professor of Aquatic Toxicology at the Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, the event, themed “Building a Career Path in Academia: Guiding Principles for the Female Academic” was aimed at fulfilling the core objectives of the organisation which is fostering collaboration among women in universities, research institutes and allied institutions towards ensuring research activities focused on societal growth and development. It also includes provision of research training and networking opportunities for women scientists throughout the developing world at different stages in their careers.
Speaking to dignitaries and attendees at the event, the Coordinator, Prof Adeogun stressed the need to honour and celebrate women retirees who through their academic prowess have served the nation, and paved way for younger generation women to reach their career heights.
On the maiden award ceremony, she said, “We rarely celebrate our mentors and achievers when they are retired. OWSD Ibadan is trying to bring a new perspective into the way we view retirement. So, we realize that we cannot be where we are if not for the sacrifices of these distinguished women (and men). And that’s why we are starting this initiative, and we are encouraging all sectors in the University of Ibadan and other institutions to set up a day to celebrate our retired members.”
Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. K. O. Adebowale lauded the initiative of the award ceremony, emphasizing on the significant roles of women in human capital development. In a speech delivered by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Aderonke Baiyeroju, the VC said the workshop “resonates with my administration’s vision for inclusiveness of female researchers in top-level management as exemplified by the first initiative to have three distinguished women as principal officers of the six in the University of Ibadan. It also shows my commitment to the realization of the critical roles of the roles that the female gender plays in national development.”
The Director General of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Prof. Buba Yaduma, in a goodwill message delivered by the institute’s Director of Finance, Chief (Mrs.) Sefinat Edith-Igugu, said “It is my utmost belief that the outcome of this workshop and ceremony will further bring into limelight more women in scientific breakthroughs and research findings and goals for further development in the world of science, academia, and world,” he said.
Recall that CEOAFRICA reported the delivery of the keynote speakers of the workshop, Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, and a Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacokinetics, Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola, who spoke on “Collaboration Outside the Box.”; as well as the Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, and a professor of Biochemistry, UI, Prof. Oyeronke Odunola, who spoke on “Breaking the Glass Ceiling and Sustainability Nexus”.
Related Stories:
Prof. Adeogun harps on celebrating female retired academic dons, as OWSD Ibadan honours researchers with life-member awards- https://www.ceoafrica.com/newsdetails.php?tabnews=100897
OWSD Symposium: Chrisland University VC, Prof Babalola reveals how she got $1 million grant for drug research- https://www.ceoafrica.com/newsdetails.php?tabnews=100873
UI Don, Prof Odunola challenges women on breaking barriers, clamours for equal chances on boy/girl child education- https://www.ceoafrica.com/newsdetails.php?tabnews=100889
At the award ceremony, life-member awards were given to, a professor of agriculture and rural development, Professor Stella Odebode; immediate past coordinator of OWSD Ibadan and a professor of aqua tourism, biodiversity, and environmental toxicology, Professor Funmilola Ajani; and Coordinator of Department of Microbiology at Federal University of Ila-Orangun, and an expert in food microbiology, microbial physiology, and metabolism, Dr. Gbemisola Onipede. The three personalities were honoured for their sacrifices and bold steps in restarting the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) at the University of Ibadan on Tuesday, June 12, 2018.
A posthumous Life Member Award was also given to, a professor of chemical pathology and consultant to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Late Prof. Bola Osifo.
Forty-four other awardees were honoured at the significant event for their immense contributions to the academia shaping development and growth in the country.
In attendance at the august event are, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. K. O. Adebowale represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Aderonke Baiyeroju; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), UI, Prof. Olamakinde Olapegba; ASUU Chairman, UI Chapter, Prof. Ayoola Akinwole; Director-General of Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Prof. Zachariya Buba Yaduma, represented by FRIN’s Director of Finance, Chief (Mrs.) Sefinat Edith-Igugu; and Provost, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Dr. Adekoya Owosibo, represented by Deputy Provost, Dr. Funmilayo Ogunleke.
Others are, Dean, Faculty of Science, UI, Prof. O.O. Shonibare, represented by Prof. Motunrayo Adeniyi; Provost, College of Medicine, UI, Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun, represented by Deputy Provost, Prof. Fatai Adeniyi; Dean, Faculty of Social Science, UI, Prof. Ezebunwa Nwokocha; Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, UI, Prof. Stella Odebode; Head, Department of Haematology, UCH, Prof. Wuraola Shokunbi, among other professionals, experts and dignitaries.
