CELEBRATING WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SCIENCE

MESSAGE FROM PROF. E. SMARANDA OLARINDE, THE VICE-CHANCELLOR, AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI (ABUAD) & LIFETIME MEMBER, ORGANISATION FOR WOMEN IN SCIENCE FOR THE DEVELOPING WORLD (OWSD),

ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2025 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WOMEN & GIRLS IN SCIENCE

It is with great pride and a deep sense of commitment that I join the global community in celebrating the 2025 International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This occasion serves as a reminder of the critical position that women and girls occupy in moulding the future of scientific innovation, research, and technological advancements.

At Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), we firmly believe in the transformative power of education and its ability to break barriers. Over the years, we have remained dedicated to fostering an environment where women and girls in science are encouraged, supported, and empowered to reach their fullest potential. We take pride in the numerous female scholars, researchers, and students within our university who continue to break new grounds, making remarkable contributions to various fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Despite the undeniable progress made, challenges however persist, as women and girls around the world still face systemic obstacles that hinder their participation and advancement in science. It is, therefore, our collective responsibility to strengthen policies, promote inclusivity, and provide equal opportunities to enable women and the girl child thrive especially in Nigeria and the African continent.

As we mark this significant day, I urge students, mentors, educators, researchers, and policymakers to renew their commitment to gender equity in STEM. Let us continue to inspire, mentor, and create opportunities for the present and next generations of female scientists and innovators.

At ABUAD, we remain resolute in our mission to produce well-rounded, globally competitive graduates who will contribute meaningfully to national and international development. We celebrate all the women and girls who have chosen the path of science, and we reaffirm our dedication to supporting their journey.

Together, let us unite in shaping a future where knowledge, talent, diligence, service, commitment and industry—not gender—determine one’s success in science.

It is with great joy that I heartily wish all a Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science!

Professor Elisabeta Smaranda OLARINDE, FCArb, FCAI,
Vice-Chancellor (ABUAD),
11^th February, 2025.