Last Updated on March 23, 2026 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
… As FUNAAB Marks 2026 International Women’s Day
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu
The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, has called on male staff members to play a more active role in advancing gender equality, as the University joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day.
The Vice-Chancellor made the appeal today, March 18, 2026, during a commemorative event organised by the National Association of University Women (NAUW), FUNAAB Chapter, held at the Postgraduate School Auditorium.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, the Vice-Chancellor urged male staff to be allies, champions, and partners, stressing that collective effort was essential to building a world where women and girls can truly thrive. He added that FUNAAB has continued to promote an inclusive environment where all members of the University Community can realise their full potential.
He reiterated the University’s zero-tolerance stance on harassment, as well as its commitment to fairness and transparency in career progression, noting that achieving gender equality requires the deliberate support and active engagement of men within the system.
Delivering the keynote lecture, the Dean, College of Biosciences (COLBIOS), Prof. Iyabode Kehinde, traced the historical evolution of NAUW, noting that the association originated in the early 1900s during women’s labour movements and the struggle for voting rights. She added that the movement gained global recognition in 1975 and has since been celebrated annually on March 8.
Speaking on the global “Give to Gain” campaign, she emphasised mentorship, collaboration, and generosity as critical drivers of women’s leadership. While noting that these practices strengthen institutions, she observed that they are often constrained by time pressures and competitive academic environments. She, therefore, called for collective action, stressing that shared commitment remains key to achieving sustainable impact.
The event featured a book launch and awards ceremony under the theme, “Rights, Justice and Action for All Women and Girls.” A major highlight was the unveiling of a Festschrift in honour of the National President of NAUW, Prof. Comfort Onifade, in recognition of her longstanding contributions to scholarship and mentorship.
In her remarks, Prof. Onifade described the recognition as a testament to a shared legacy built through years of mentoring others. She paid tribute to her late husband, Prof. Sunday Onifade, acknowledging his support as instrumental to her career, and encouraged early-career academics to focus on making meaningful impact rather than seeking accolades.
Earlier, the FUNAAB Chapter President of NAUW, Prof. Emily Ayo-John, urged female graduates to approach their careers with confidence. She also highlighted ongoing initiatives by the association, including advocacy for girl-child education and the management of the University Crèche to support working mothers.
Other highlights of the event included a send-forth ceremony in honour of retiring NAUW members, Prof. Comfort Onifade and Prof. Elizabeth Oluwalana, for their dedicated service to the University. A health talk was also delivered by Dr. Oladunni Ladeinde, focusing on women’s health, preventive care, and the role of the vagus nerve in overall wellbeing.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to individuals recognised for their outstanding support and commitment to gender equality, including the Vice-Chancellor and other distinguished Academic staff. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to deepening mentorship, strengthening community engagement, and sustaining the momentum of gender equality initiatives within the University.
