- February 13, 2025
- Posted by: itmanager
- Category: Education, Latest News
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Prof. E. Smaranda Olarinde, FCArb., FCAI, led a distinguished team of women, including members of the South West Chapter of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD)—to ABUAD International School, Ado-Ekiti, for a sensitization outreach.
The program was meticulously designed to ignite a can-do spirit in the minds and hearts of pupils and students, with a special focus on empowering the girl child. The event commemorated the 2025 International Day for Women and Girls in Science, celebrated globally on February 11.
The Triple ‘Ws’: Women, World, Wonderland of Equity, Opportunity & Courage
Delivering an inspiring keynote address titled “The Triple ‘Ws’: Women, World, Wonderland of Equity, Opportunity & Courage,” Prof. Olarinde—also a Lifetime Member of OWSD South-West—reaffirmed the limitless potential of girls to excel alongside their male counterparts.
“Determine to work hard—not to suppress anybody—but to stand side by side with our brothers, friends, and peers to make this world a better place,” she emphasized, reinforcing the importance of resilience, equity, and collaboration.
As a globally acclaimed professor of Law, Prof. Olarinde seized the opportunity to highlight the legal profession’s intersection with various disciplines. “Law is a complex science based on systematic methodology, using evidence to understand and apply knowledge about society and the natural world,” she explained, underscoring the importance of multidisciplinary knowledge.
Call to Discover and Strive for Excellence
Earlier, agricultural scientist Prof. Funmilayo Bamigboye encouraged the students to embark on a journey of self-discovery, assuring them that dedication and determination are keys to excellence.
“Never let obstacles stop you in life. Aspire to acquire your desire. In case you perspire, do not retire—refire to become an achiever,” she passionately advised.
Adding their voices to the empowerment narrative, Dr. Scholastica Anadozie, Dr. Joke Obajuluwa, Dr. Tope Oke, and Dr. ‘Tope Sobanjo—trailblazing women in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Computing, and Microbiology—encouraged the girls to relentlessly pursue excellence in science, emphasizing their potential to drive transformative change.
Brilliant Student’s Response & Institutional Appreciation
Speaking on behalf of the students, Ms. Ojo Blessing delivered insightful summary of the event, earning resounding applause from the audience.
The Head Teacher of ABUAD International School, Mrs. Bukola Ajisafe, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and her team for selecting the school for this significant sensitization program and for their esteemed presence at the occasion.
A Decade of Advocacy for Women in Science
Meanwhile, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed annually on February 11, marks its 10th anniversary since its adoption by the United Nations General Assembly on December 20, 2013. This global initiative seeks to promote full and equal access to, and participation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
As ABUAD continues to champion the course of women in science, this outreach stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young girls, reinforcing the message that they too can rise, excel, and shape the future of scientific discovery.
Here are more photographs from the event:
FROM THE VC’s DESK