LCU, OWSD empower women-scientists with grant-writing skills

 

…Varsity Branch inaugurated

 Lead City University [LCU],Ibadan, and  Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), have reiterated their commitment to empowering  women, especially female scientists and researchers in order to shore up their capacity and contributions to global scientific progress.

 

The Vice Chancellor of LCU, Prof. Kabiru Aderemi Adeyemo; the Deputy Vice Chancellor [DVC] of  the institution,  Prof. Olusola  Ladokun; the Southwest Coordinator of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Prof . Oluwatoyin Olaseinde, and the LCU Coordinator of OWSD, Dr Racheal  Foluke  Oloruntola, made the pledge during the inauguration of the Lead City University  Branch of OWSD.

The event, which  took place at the International Conference Centre of the university in  Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, had the theme:  “Breaking Barriers – Empowering Women in Science through Successful Grant Writing’’. It was graced by many scientists and university administrators, including Pro – Chancellor & Chairman Governing Council of LCU, Prof. Jide Owoeye, the Registrar, Dr Bola Ayeni, and a host of others.

Speaking as the chief host, the Vice Chancellor, Adeyemo, said successful grant writing was not merely an administrative skill, but a gateway to opportunities to lead, to innovate, and contribute.

                             

The VC reiterated the commitment of the university to gender equity and research that would make a difference.

“As a university, we remain committed to gender equity, academic excellence, and research that make a difference.  The establishment of this OWSD branch aligns perfectly with our vision of becoming a center of innovation, inclusivity, and impact.  We will continue to support your efforts and provide the enabling environment you need to flourish”, he said.

                 

                                    

In her remarks, the DVC and Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences,  Prof.  Olusola Ladokun, urged more women to embrace science and research. Ladokun asserted that the body would bridge the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics [STEM], drive Sustainable Development through women’s leadership  and inspire the next generation. The DVC said: ‘’We are here because Africa’s scientific future cannot afford to leave half of its genius untapped.   This inauguration is not just a ceremony; it is a declaration of intent. The Lead City University Branch of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) stands as a beacon to empower, elevate, and expand the frontiers of women’s participation in science and technology.  

‘’The three pillars of being here are  to bridge the gender gap in STEM, drive Sustainable Development through women’s leadership  and inspire the next generation.

‘’OWSD will provide scholarships, networking, and visibility for women researchers. We will champion policies that ensure equal access to labs, funding, and leadership roles.  

‘’Science and technology are the engines of progress. Yet, when women are excluded, solutions to challenges like climate change, health disparities, and food security remain incomplete.   OWSD will foster innovation where women scientists tackle local problems with global impact.  

‘’Young girls cannot become what they cannot see. Today, we commit to mentorship programmes pairing students with trailblazing women in STEM, outreach initiatives to schools, showcasing science as a vibrant, inclusive career, as well as research grants to ensure our female scholars publish, patent, and prosper’’. 

 In her call to action, the DVC said: “To our male allies: Stand with us as advocates and collaborators. Equity is not a “women’s issue”—it is a human imperative. To our students: Dream bigger. The microscope, the coding terminal, the research journal—they belong to you. To our leaders: Invest in women. The return will be measured in discoveries, patents, and transformed communities”.

Continuing, the DVC said: “We are here because the world needs Africa’s scientific excellence, and Africa needs her women. As the Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai said: ‘The higher you go, the higher your responsibility to pull others up’. “Let this OWSD branch be a ladder. Together, we will rewrite the narrative”.

In her remarks, the Southwest Coordinator of the OWSD, Prof . Oluwatoyin Olasehinde, urged members to be more proactive in their scientific research fields and be supportive to female science students.

 The LCU Branch Coordinator of OWSD, Dr Racheal Foluke  Oloruntola, lauded all for gracing the event. The coordinator urged students to take advantage of the body to advance their career in sciences.

Also speaking, the Deputy Director- General of Nigerian  Institute  of Medical Research. Prof. Rosemary Audu, stated that researchers and science women needed resilience, dedication and focus,  among other factors to be successful.

 The Adjunct Professor  of Medical Virology Dept of Biological Sciences, who was the guest speaker,  noted that any intending -researchers should build a competitive profile, submit proposals for reviewing and should have a budgeted fund for the project in order to be successful.

Some of the highlights of the programme included induction of new members, oath-taking, presentation of symbols of office and decoration with a sash

                                                  

       l