FUNAAB Drives Global Push for Women’s Inclusion in Science

As a leading institution advancing agricultural innovation and scientific excellence on the African continent, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has reinforced its global leadership by hosting the 2026 edition of the Global Women’s Breakfast (GWB), a worldwide initiative championing gender equity and collaboration in science.

Held under the theme “Many Voices, One Science,” the event convened female Scientists, Academics, researchers, and students from diverse disciplines and institutions, positioning FUNAAB as a dynamic hub for inclusive scientific dialogue in Africa. The gathering emphasised the transformative power of science and the urgent need to ensure that innovation remains representative, equitable, and widely accessible.

Addressing the participants, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, highlighted the indispensable contributions of women to scientific advancement, while acknowledging that their work has historically been under-recognised and under-supported. He stressed that meaningful breakthroughs in science and academia are driven not by chance, but by deliberate mentorship, institutional commitment, advocacy, and sustained collaboration.

Reaffirming FUNAAB’s strategic vision, the Vice-Chancellor assured participants that the University remains committed to cultivating an ecosystem where women in science can thrive, from students discovering research pathways to early-career scholars navigating academic leadership and established experts shaping global scientific agendas.

The programme was hosted by Prof. Caroline Akinremi, who explained that the Global Women’s Breakfast was part of a worldwide initiative inspired by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). She noted that the initiative was aimed at building a vibrant international network of women and allies working collectively to dismantle barriers to gender equality across all STEM disciplines. According to her, the objectives remained consistent: expanding mentorship, strengthening professional networks, providing access to global memberships, and fostering collaborative research platforms for emerging female scientists.

Prof. Akinremi also noted the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other frontier technologies, encouraging participants to embrace innovation while ensuring their perspectives shape technological advancement.

In her Keynote Lecture titled, “Integrating AI and Machine Learning to Advance Women in STEM” and delivered virtually, Dr. (Engr.) Olusola Abayomi-Alli spotlighted accessible digital learning pathways, including free Python programming courses and supportive technology communities that lower entry barriers for beginners in coding and data science.

She stressed that digital literacy now extends beyond foundational computer skills to encompass data interpretation, statistical reasoning, ethical AI development, and interdisciplinary collaboration, urging participants to seek mentorship in statistics and machine learning, while actively engaging in small-scale, cross-disciplinary projects to build practical expertise.

“Artificial Intelligence is transforming every sector,” she noted. “To apply AI meaningfully in our various fields, we must equip ourselves with the right skills.” Importantly, she warned that technological systems risk reinforcing inequality if diverse voices are excluded from their design and governance. Inclusive participation in AI development, she argued, was not an act of benevolence but a benchmark of excellence, credibility, and innovation.

In her paper presentation titled “Be the Voice that STEM Needs,” the Coordinator, Part-Time Degree Programme, Dr. Enovwo Odjegba charged women to speak up, and lead boldly in any responsibility entrusted into their hands. Likewise, the National Coordinator, Women in Chemistry of Nigeria, Prof. Iheoma Adekunle, represented by the Head, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Prof. Abideen Adeogun congratulated the women for the bold steps, she noted that women’s voice in science cannot be whisked away as they play a vital role in National Development.

Participants were encouraged to lead conversations, challenge structural barriers, and contribute to the creation of ethical, accurate, and transformative AI solutions.