LASUED Champions Women in STEM: Advocates for Accelerated Action Plans

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Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at the 2025 International Day of Women and Girls in Science, held across its Oto/Ijanikin and Odo-Noforija campuses.

The event, organized by the LASUED chapter of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), brought together distinguished scientists, educators, policymakers, and students to champion gender equity in scientific fields.

Delivering the opening remarks, Professor Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, Vice-Chancellor of LASUED, highlighted the critical role women play in shaping scientific advancement and the persistent challenges they face. She acknowledged the work of OWSD, a UNESCO initiative dedicated to breaking barriers for women in science across developing nations, and called for urgent, strategic efforts to accelerate progress.

With the theme “Accelerate Action,” the Vice-Chancellor emphasized the need for deliberate steps to dismantle socio-cultural barriers, institutional biases, and funding limitations that hinder women’s participation in STEM.

“The time for incremental progress is past. The time for accelerated, transformative action is now,” she declared. “We must go beyond acknowledging challenges and actively dismantle them through mentorship, awareness, research funding, and strategic partnerships.”

She posed critical questions to the audience, challenging stakeholders to explore how OWSD chapters can be strengthened, how talented women scientists can be retained and globally recognized, and how digital technologies can serve as catalysts for gender inclusion in STEM.

The event featured a lineup of esteemed speakers, each a leader in their respective fields:
• Professor Taofikat A. Adesalu (Professor of Botany, University of Lagos)
• Dr. Ogundare Oyinlade Cecilia (Professor of Chemical Science, LASUSTECH, Ikorodu)
• Mrs. Okesola Omorolayo (Food Safety & Hygiene Professional, Perfetti Van Melle Nigeria)

Their insights provided a roadmap for actionable strategies to enhance women’s participation and leadership in science.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed deep appreciation for the dedicated efforts of the organizing committee, led by Dr. Aderonke Margaret Oginni (Coordinator, OWSD LASUED Branch), alongside Dr. Bolanle Omotoke Olaleye (Assistant Coordinator), Dr. Olufunmilola T. Yekinni (General Secretary), and other key executives.

As the discussions unfolded, one message resonated clearly: women must not only participate in science—they must lead, innovate, and shape the future of scientific discovery in Africa and beyond. The event concluded with a renewed commitment from LASUED and its partners to intensify efforts in fostering a thriving ecosystem for women in STEM.