UNILAG Professors Receive High Praise from Cranfield Team as Nigeria Wins Project Impact Assessment
A team of assessors from Cranfield University, UK, praised 12 women Professors from the University of Lagos during the Nigeria Wins Project Impact Assessment.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
A recent assessment conducted by a team of assessors from Cranfield University, United Kingdom, has garnered commendation for 12 women Professors from the University of Lagos participating in the Nigeria Wins Project Impact Assessment.
The accolades were delivered during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor's office on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. The team, accompanied by some of the trainees, was warmly received by Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development Services).
The initiative, spearheaded by the Women for Africa Foundation and coordinated by Cranfield University, saw participation from women academics aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within the academic sphere.
Dr. Irene Izegwire and Dr. Evelyn Lanka from Cranfield University, leading the assessment, commended the University of Lagos for its hospitality and unwavering support throughout the four-day impact assessment period.
Dr. Lanka, providing an overview of the training, highlighted its objective of promoting gender equality and empowering women in leadership roles. She particularly lauded the participants for their adeptness in handling difficult conversations and their demonstrated capacity for advising and counseling, emphasizing the profound impact such self-awareness could have on their students' futures.
During her remarks, Dr. Izegwire echoed similar sentiments, expressing appreciation to the university authorities for their commitment to enhancing female leadership capacity. She emphasized the manifold benefits of leadership training programs, including the development of essential leadership skills, strategic thinking, effective communication, and confidence-building, as well as the invaluable networking opportunities they provide.
In response, Professor Atsenuwa acknowledged the significance of the training in empowering female academics in Nigeria. While commending Cranfield University for its expertise in leadership development, she urged the team to extend similar opportunities to members of the non-teaching cadre within the institution, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gender gap in leadership positions.
Participants of the training also shared their feedback, affirming their determination to integrate the lessons learned into their professional practice.
The assessment serves as a testament to the University of Lagos's commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in leadership positions, aligning with broader efforts to create a more equitable landscape within the academic community.
