FUNAAB VC Advocates for Male Allyship in Gender Equality at 2026 International Women’s Day Celebration

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Professor Babatunde Kehinde, has called on male staff members to become proactive champions of gender equality.

Speaking on March 18, 2026, at a commemorative event organized by the National Association of University Women (NAUW), FUNAAB Chapter, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that building an inclusive environment where women and girls can thrive requires a collective, institutional effort.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Olusegun Idowu, the VC reiterated the University’s commitment to a "zero-tolerance" policy regarding harassment and underscored the importance of fairness and transparency in career progression for all staff.

In her keynote address, the Dean of the College of Biosciences (COLBIOS), Professor Iyabode Kehinde, traced the historical roots of the women’s movement from the early 1900s to its global recognition in 1975. Highlighting the 2026 "Give to Gain" campaign, she identified mentorship and collaboration as the primary engines for advancing women's leadership in academia.

A significant highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of a Festschrift (a celebratory collection of writings) in honour of Professor Comfort Onifade, the National President of NAUW. The publication recognizes her extensive contributions to scholarship and her dedication to mentoring the next generation of academics.

In her remarks, Professor Onifade dedicated the recognition to the power of shared legacy, encouraging early-career scholars to prioritize meaningful impact over the pursuit of accolades.