KWASU Vice-Chancellor Advocates for Women’s Empowerment Through Science and Innovation at NAAT Maiden Conference

The Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University, Malete, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, has emphasised the importance of empowering women through science, culture, vocational skills, and entrepreneurship to enable them to contribute meaningfully to societal development.

The Vice-Chancellor made this known in his speech at the maiden women’s conference and celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 organised by the women wing of the National Association of Academic Technologists, Kwara State University Branch, in collaboration with the Centre for Community Development.

The programme, themed “Empowering Women: Shaping Nigeria – Leveraging Education, Science, Culture and Mentorship for National Development and Decision-Making,” was held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the KWASU International Conference Centre, Ilorin.

Professor Jimoh, who was represented by the Director, Centre for Gender Studies, Dr. Latifat Kehinde Olatinwo noted that society must include women in skill enhancement for holistic development.

The Vice-Chancellor while commending the women wing of NAAT for organising the conference, which is aimed at advancing the cause of women through education and strategic leadership position, reiterated the university management’s commitment to supporting staff and unions by providing necessary equipment and sustained energy supply to laboratories and other facilities across the institution.

The Commissioner of Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa'adatu Modibbo Kawu, in her speech, stated that the Women’s Wing of NAAT is pivotal to advocacy and development. 

"Women are nation builders. We are close to the children and naturally empathetic, multi-talented, and impactful. We are change agents, as women are makers. Through women's engagement in agricultural development and grassroots philanthropic activities, we have been able to contribute a lot to our communities," she added.

In her keynote address, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Olubukola Christianah Dada, who was represented by Dr. Ronke Seyi Babatunde, identified improved access to formal education and professional training, encouraging more women in science, research, and innovation; addressing cultural stereotypes and socio-economic barriers limiting women’s advancement; and strengthening mentorship programmes to guide young girls and women in leadership and professional development as major pathways for empowering women.

The convener and NAAT Woman Leader, Grace Funke Akande, emphasised that the event was necessitated by a need to focus on women’s development.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of NAAT, KWASU Branch, Luqman Ajibade Azeez, acknowledged the significant role women play in society, stressing that their contributions cannot be overemphasized and that women must be equipped with the right tools and opportunities to succeed.