By Otitoju Femi and Bukola Osesusi
Professor Ruth Gabriel-Ajobiewe has said that women must be given greater access to opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) if Nigeria is to achieve sustainable development, innovation and economic growth.
She made the call while delivering the inaugural lecture at the inauguration of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) branch of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), an event that also witnessed the inauguration of the association’s pioneer executive council.
Speaking on the theme of women’s participation in STEM, the professor highlighted persistent barriers confronting women and girls in Nigeria, including cultural stereotypes, underrepresentation in scientific fields and limited access to leadership opportunities.
According to her, addressing these challenges through mentorship, scholarships, inclusive policies and increased research funding would unlock the potential of millions of women and accelerate innovation across critical sectors of the economy.
She noted that organisations such as the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World, Nigerian Women in STEM and Women in Technology in Nigeria have continued to play vital roles in promoting mentorship, collaboration and leadership development among women scientists and technologists.
The inauguration formally brought FUOYE into the growing network of OWSD institutional branches in Nigeria, increasing the number of branches nationwide to 50 and expanding opportunities for mentorship, research collaboration, capacity building and scientific leadership for women in science.
In a goodwill message, the National Chairperson of OWSD Nigeria, Prof. Folasade Olajuyigbe, represented by the South-West Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Oluwatoyin A. Olaseinde, described the inauguration as a landmark achievement for both FUOYE and the national body.
She commended the Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE, Prof. Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole, for supporting the establishment of the branch, noting that the university’s commitment to excellence, innovation and inclusiveness made the achievement possible.
Olaseinde said the inauguration marked the beginning of a transformative journey that would create new opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, capacity building and scientific leadership for women researchers.
She urged members to build a vibrant and inclusive scientific community while focusing on three strategic pillars such as: visibility, collaboration and impact. She also charged the newly inaugurated executives to provide visionary leadership and create opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Partnerships, Research, Innovation and Linkages), Prof. Babatunde Afolabi, described the inauguration as a significant milestone for the university and the scientific community.
He expressed confidence that the branch would contribute meaningfully to global scientific advancement through the achievements of its members.
The newly inaugurated Chairperson of OWSD FUOYE, Prof. Eunice M. Ogunbusola, pledged to strengthen the association through mentorship, research collaboration, academic support and impactful programmes.
Describing her emergence as a call to service, Ogunbusola promised to promote academic excellence, innovation, leadership development and professional opportunities for women in science.
She appreciated the university management for supporting the inauguration and appealed for institutional support towards the second Biennial Conference of the OWSD South-West Zone scheduled to hold at Obafemi Awolowo University from September 1 to 4, 2026.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Modinat Adekoya-Iromini, welcomed participants and expressed gratitude to stakeholders whose efforts culminated in the formal inauguration of the branch.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of three distinguished academics for their contributions to scholarship, leadership and institutional development. The award recipients were Prof. Sylvia V. A. Uzochukwu, the university’s first female Dean of the Faculty of Science; Prof. Mojisola Adenike Oyarekua, a renowned scholar in Food Microbiology and infant nutrition; and Prof. Ademiju Adeolu Aganga, former Director of Academic Planning and pioneer Head of the Ikole Campus.
The event also featured the inauguration of the pioneer executive council led by Prof. Eunice M. Ogunbusola as Coordinator, alongside Prof. Joan Ogundele (Vice-Coordinator), Dr. Bukola Oyediran (Secretary), Dr. Ruth Nwagwe (Treasurer), Dr. Olaseni Olayiwola (Welfare Officer), Dr. A.O. Omonijo (Financial Secretary) and Dr. Tomi A. Arilekolasi (Technical Officer/Public Relations Officer).
Photo Credit: Nifesimi Ogungbe
