The Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), University of Lagos (UNILAG) Branch, marked the International Day for Women and Girls in Science 2025 with a power-packed event centred on the theme “Women and Girls in Science Leadership: A New Era for Sustainability. Think Science… Think Peace.”
Held at NITHub, University of Lagos, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the gathering brought together renowned female scientists, secondary school girls, and key stakeholders in the quest for gender equity in STEM.
The event began with a welcome address by Professor Aderonke Samuel, Coordinator of OWSD, UNILAG Branch, who stressed the critical role of women in driving scientific advancement and societal progress. She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting women and girls in STEM and emphasised the need for mentorship, leadership, and sustainable impact.
Setting the tone of the event, the Dean, Faculty of Science, UNILAG, Professor Olayinka Asekun, spoke at length on the importance of women’s active participation in leadership in science and all spheres of life. Noting that science is all about curiosity, she encouraged the girls present to be curious and imbibe in themselves the ability to find solutions to problems through critical thinking.
While delivering the opening remarks, Professor Uchenna Udeani, Chairperson, Board of Trustees, OWSD, UNILAG Branch, highlighted the importance of sustained advocacy for gender inclusivity in science. She noted that while progress has been made, women must continue to push boundaries, challenge stereotypes, and occupy leadership spaces. She thereafter pledged the commitment of OWSD in mentoring the girls, as they are the future.
Professor Braide Speaks on the Power of Women in Leadership
The keynote speaker, Professor Ekanem Ikpi Braide, FAS, 19th President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, delivered a compelling speech on the persistent challenges women face in Nigeria. She emphasized that despite strides in education, women still make up the majority of the poor and illiterate population. She highlighted several key points:
- Girls are still less likely than boys to complete their education, as some families prioritise sons’ schooling over daughters’.
- Women in Nigeria must move beyond education and step into leadership roles, ensuring they are appointed based on competence rather than token representation.
- Female scientists must ensure that their research translates into practical solutions that contribute to national development.
Prof. Braide concluded with a call to action for women in science to actively shape policies, mentor younger women, and challenge gender biases in leadership.
Mrs. Susanne Ogunleye Encourages Leadership from Youth in Interactive Session
The second speaker, Mrs. Susanne Ogunleye, CEO of Jasmine Ultra Blue Solutions, took an engaging, down-to-earth approach to leadership. Speaking directly to the secondary school girls in attendance, she emphasized that true leadership begins with self-awareness: knowing one’s strengths, weaknesses, and purpose.
She encouraged the girls to embrace leadership roles with confidence, reminding them that even in following, one can lead by setting a positive example. She actively engaged with the students, answering their questions, and even gifted one of them a copy of her book for active participation.
In a pleasant turn, the event compère invited Mrs. Ogunleye to mentor the girls beyond the event, a challenge she warmly accepted.
Panel Discussion: Young Voices on Empowerment
Giving the girls a chance to participate beyond attendance, the OWSD included a dynamic panel discussion in the order of events. Anchored by Dr Blessing I. Akinnukawe, Financial Secretary of OWSD, UNILAG Branch, this segment of the event featured representatives from various secondary schools, sharing their thoughts on female empowerment, role models, and the importance of women in leadership.
The panellists and their schools are:
- Jimoh Taofikat of Wesley Girls Secondary School
- Peter Ugonnaya Precious of Aje Comprehensive Senior High School
- Ndubuisi Favour of Birrel Avenue High School
- Ajuma Success of Herbert Macaulay Girls Senior High School
- Udojike Gift of Obele Community High School
- Nana Faith of Eletu Odibo Senior High School
The discussion featured thought-provoking questions, such as:
- How can girls worldwide be empowered to reach their full potential?
- Who is your female role model, and what qualities do you admire in her?
- Why is it important for women to hold leadership positions?
Their responses showcased the intelligence, ambition, and potential of the next generation of female leaders. Some girls mentioned their mothers as their role models, lending voice to the importance of children having good parenting to draw inspiration from home. As an added prestige to the University of Lagos, it is worth mentioning that one of the girls also chose the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, as her role model.
Living Legends Honoured as Lifetime Members
A notable highlight of the event was the presentation of Lifetime Membership Awards to distinguished retired women scientists, whose contributions have paved the way for younger generations.
Lifetime Members Honoured:
- Prof. Adetoro Otubanjo
- Prof. Winifred Makanjuola
- Prof. Grace Ukpo
- Prof. Olusimbo Aboaba
- Prof. Olubunmi Magbagbeola
- Prof. Rosemary Egonmwan
- Prof. Joy Okpuzor
- Dr. Elizabeth Osibote
These trailblazers, elegantly dressed to the event, received framed certificates and golden Aso-Òkè sashes embroidered with maroon threads, a symbol of OWSD’s legacy and the University of Lagos’ proud colours and heritage.
The awards presentation was coordinated by Dr. Temitope Onuminya, Deputy Coordinator, OWSD, UNILAG Branch
Similarly, the event also honoured members of OWSD, UNILAG Branch who were recently appointed as Professors, celebrating their academic excellence and contributions to scientific research. A cake-cutting ceremony with photographs marked this joyous occasion.
The Organisation was very thoughtful in the gifts curated for the secondary school girls in attendance. To encourage and support the young girls OWSD, UNILAG Branch distributed school backpacks, sanitary pads, and calendars, thereby reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to both education and well-being.
The celebration of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science 2025 organised by OWSD, UNILAG Branch was a transformative experience. It inspired women and girls to embrace leadership, push boundaries, and drive change in science and society.
From Prof. Ekanem Braide’s powerful keynote speech to Mrs. Ogunleye’s engaging mentorship session, to words of advice to the girls given by Lifetime Members, Prof. Olusimbo Aboaba and Dr. Elizabeth Osibote, to marry right and never fail to remember that it is never too late in life to find their paths; the event reinforced a clear message: The future of science and leadership belongs to women, and the time to take action is now.
Author: Nike Ogunshakin
Photographer: Islamiat Akanni
